The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis provides critical care for heart attack and cardiac arrest patients in Tulsa, OK. Reacting quickly can save a life. If you are experiencing any warning signs and believe you are having a heart attack, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Know the Symptoms: Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Quick response time is vital for heart attack treatment and recovery. If you or a loved one suspects signs or symptoms of heart illness, please read the following information carefully.
It is best not to drive yourself or ask others to drive you to the hospital if you are experiencing heart attack symptoms. You could unintentionally harm yourself and others if you experience heart attack symptoms while driving. The person driving you cannot help and drive at the same time. Help should come to you.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Heart attack symptoms may come and go, but should not be ignored. Most common warning signs include:
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. These may occur with other symptoms of discomfort or on their own.
- Chest discomfort, most often in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. It may stop then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort or pain in the upper body, most often felt in the arms, shoulder, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath may accompany the chest or upper body discomfort. It may come and go, and could occur before any chest or upper body discomfort is felt.
It is important to note that women are more likely than men to experience NO chest pain during the course of a heart attack. For this reason, women need to be aware of other "flu–like" symptoms that can indicate an impending heart attack. These symptoms may include: pain that spreads to the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or arms; feeling dizzy or faint; clammy or sweaty skin; nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; and weakness or fatigue.
Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Cardiac arrest can strike immediately and without warning. Signs the heart has stopped beating are as follows:
- No normal breathing for a period of several seconds.
- No signs of circulation, movement or coughing.
- Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
Learn More About Heart Attack Treatment and Recovery
at Saint Francis Health System
Our emergency room in Tulsa, OK, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Skilled Heart Hospital physicians deliver a full range of cardiology services and support heart attack recovery through Cardiac Rehab. Please call us with additional questions about your heart health at 918-494-6470. |