Early heart attack care
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency teams can begin treatment on the way to help you get care as quickly as possible.
Heart attack symptoms may happen suddenly, but not always. In many cases, they begin gradually or come and go before becoming more serious or concerning. Paying attention to these early signs can help you act quickly and get the care you need.
Heart attack symptoms can be different for men and women
Heart attack symptoms can feel different from person to person. Some people experience strong chest pain, while others may feel more subtle discomfort. Your first symptoms may be mild and become more intense over time or appear intermittently before becoming constant.
The symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women. This matters because symptoms in women are sometimes less obvious, which can delay getting care and lead to more damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptoms include:
For men:
- Chest pain or pressure, often on the left side
- Pain or numbness that spreads to the arm
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
- Sweating
For women:
- Chest pain or discomfort with feelings of pressure or squeezing
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
- Extreme fatigue or feeling unusually drained
- Pain in the upper back that may move into the jaw
- Anxiety
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or cold sweats
- Nausea or discomfort that feels like heartburn, the flu or an ulcer
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek care right away.
What to do if you experience symptoms of a heart attack
If you notice new or unusual symptoms in yourself or someone nearby, do not ignore them, even if they seem mild. Getting checked early can help prevent more serious problems.
- Call 911 right away. Emergency teams can begin care as soon as they arrive and continue treatment on the way to the hospital, which can reduce damage to the heart.
- Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. Heart attack symptoms can come and go or seem mild at first, but delaying care can lead to more serious complications.
- Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Symptoms can worsen suddenly. Emergency responders can monitor your condition and provide treatment during transport.
Getting care as soon as possible can make a meaningful difference in recovery and long-term heart health.
If you are experiencing chest pain or other possible signs of a heart attack, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room.
Find a convenient location
Vandalia Health has locations across West Virginia.
Life-saving care across West Virginia
If you think you're having a heart attack, we know how to respond. Our teams care for cardiac emergencies every day using the region's most advanced medicine and technology. We follow proven procedures to quickly evaluate your condition and begin life-saving treatment as quickly as possible. You can trust that you're in experienced hands when every second counts.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. The longer that blockage remains, the more damage can occur to the heart muscle. Getting care quickly can help restore blood flow, reduce damage and improve recovery.
Yes. Some people experience symptoms that come and go before becoming more severe. This can make it harder to recognize a heart attack. Even if symptoms improve or seem to go away, it is still important to seek care. These early warning signs may indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
You should act right away. If you have symptoms, call 911 and seek care immediately. Waiting can increase the risk of damage to the heart. Emergency teams are trained to respond quickly and begin treatment as soon as they arrive, which can help improve outcomes
If you arrive by ambulance, care usually begins before you reach the hospital. Paramedics can stabilize you and share information with the hospital so they're ready when you arrive. If you arrive another way, our team evaluates you as quickly as possible. The emergency team will check your symptoms, perform tests and begin treatment if needed. Either way, our goal is to determine if you are having a heart attack and restore blood flow to the heart as soon as possible.
