Having chest pain & symptoms?

Are you having chest pain & symptoms? Call 9-1-1 immediately! 

Heart attacks have beginnings. These beginnings occur in more than 50% of patients. Most importantly, if recognized in time, these "beginnings" can be treated before the heart is damaged! 

Alarming Statistics 

• Heart disease causes approximately 1 in 4 deaths in the United States. 
• About 50% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people don't act on early warning signs. 

• Survey results show that only 27% of the respondents were aware of all symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1. 

We can change these sobering statistics by sharing Early Heart Attack Education (EHAC)! 

Visit these links to learn more about EHAC and Hands-Only CPR: 
EHAC information  
Hands-Only CPR  
 
Early signs 
Early signs and symptoms can begin hours or days before a heart attack. It's possible only to experience a few of these symptoms that may come and go before becoming severe. 

• Nausea 
• Pain that travels down one or both arms 
• Jaw pain 
• Fatigue 
• Anxiety 
• Chest pressure, squeezing, or discomfort 
• Back pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Feeling of fullness 
• Indigestion 

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you owe it to yourself to get these symptoms checked out immediately at Ottumwa Regional Health Center. 
  

Remember: Call 9-1-1 if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency. 

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room. 

Heart Attack Symptoms 

Think you are having a heart attack? Call 9-1-1 immediately! 

Although some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body — and call 9-1-1 if you feel: 

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. 
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. 
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. 

• Other signs: cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, palpitations, paleness, weakness/fatigue, or dizziness.  

 
Download the American Heart Association's heart attack warning signs infographic. Share it with those you love. 
 
Need directions to the ER?  Get Directions here

Symptoms May Vary Between Men and Women 

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Learn about the warning signs of a heart attack in women. 

Minutes Matter 

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don't wait – call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. 

Watch an animation of a heart attack from the American Heart Association. 

Remember: Call 9-1-1 if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.