WARNING SIGNS:

Learn how to spot the signs of a heart attack... and how to react

Detecting the early warning signs of a heart attack and responding appropriately could save your life. Mercy Medical Center encourages you to learn the signs of a heart attack and seek treatment immediately.

How to recognize a heart attack

• Uncomfortable or constricting pressure in the center of the chest, often lasting two minutes or longer.
  
  
• Tightness, fullness, pain, or a squeezing sensation may also be present.
  
  
• Pain may radiate to the back, across the shoulders or collarbone, along the jaw, neck, or arm.
  
  
• Sometimes there is a numbness or tingling in the arm.
  
  
• Sweating, nausea, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or a feeling of anxiety can also signal a heart attack.

What to do

If you experience these symptoms and are uncomfortable for more than a few minutes, call 911 or have someone drive you to the hospital emergency department immediately. The earlier you seek help, the better the chances we can lessen the damage to your heart and help you return to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

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