Emergency Physicians Share Tips to Recognize Signs of a Heart Emergency

February is American Heart Month and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has tips to help you spot signs of a heart attack and know when it is time to go to the emergency department.
“Never ignore the warning signs of a heart emergency or wait until symptoms become unbearable to seek medical attention,” said Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Quick action can be the difference between life and death.”

The signs of a heart attack may include some, but not all, of these symptoms:
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing sensation or pain in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes, or going away and coming back.

Pain, numbness, or uncomfortable prickling sensations spreading to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or back.

Chest pain, pressure or tightness accompanied by lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

The less common signs of a heart attack should not be ignored, especially when they accompany any of the above symptoms. These can include abnormal chest, stomach or abdominal pain, nausea or dizziness, unexplained weakness or fatigue, palpitations, cold sweat, or paleness.

Some of the warning signs may be different for women. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for men and women. However, women are more likely to experience upper back or neck pain, which may initially seem unrelated to a heart attack.

If someone is potentially having a heart attack:
• Call 911 immediately. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. It is better to call for an ambulance than drive yourself. EMS professionals can begin treatment as soon as they arrive, allowing for more timely medical attention. Heart attack symptoms can quickly escalate and may include loss of consciousness. That is not a time when anyone should be behind the wheel.

• If the person is conscious, help them into a comfortable position. Loosen clothing around the chest area and remain calm until the ambulance arrives.

• If the person becomes unconscious, help them lay on their back, loosen clothing at the neck, chest, and waist. Check for breathing and pulse; if absent, and if trained to do so, begin CPR.

Chest pain accompanying a heart attack can feel similar to discomfort associated with anxiety, heartburn, lung issues and other medical conditions.

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A person with no medical training is not expected to be able to diagnose whether their chest pain is a heart attack. Anyone who thinks they are having a medical emergency should not hesitate to seek emergency care.

Federal laws require anyone who comes to the emergency department to be treated and stabilized. And, insurance providers are required to offer coverage based on presenting symptoms, not final diagnosis.

Recognizing the signs of a heart emergency and seeking help immediately can dramatically increase the chances of survival and recovery.
“Chest pain should always be taken seriously and minutes matter in an emergency,” said Dr. Haddock. “If something does not feel right, you should seek medical attention. An emergency physician is ready to help you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org.