In the January 2010 Patient Poll conducted by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, 34 percent of those surveyed said they’d know they were having a heart attack because their chest and arms would hurt.
Not necessarily so, says C. Richard Schott, MD, a Philadelphia-area cardiologist and Pennsylvania Medical Society member.
“Pain isn’t always an indictor. Any new pressure or discomfort in the upper body can signal a heart attack.”
Warning signs
Dr. Schott urges patients to pay close attention to these heart attack warning signs:
- Pressure or discomfort in the chest and upper body
- Discomfort radiating to the left arm, jaw, back, neck or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, nausea, dizziness
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s best to call 911 right away.
“Err on the side of caution and assume it may be a heart attack. The longer you wait, the more damage is done to your heart.”
Dr. Schott also notes, “And the only ride you should take to the ER is in an ambulance – they can alert the cardiac team in advance of your arrival and, if your heart stops, emergency personnel can begin treatment immediately.”