Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute gives fast, expert heart care for people with heart attacks and cardiac arrest in Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma. When minutes matter, knowing the warning signs can save a life.
If you notice any signs below, call 911 right away. Do not attempt drive yourself.
Signs of a Heart Attack
A heart attack happens when blood cannot reach part of the heart. This hurts the heart muscle. Signs may start slow or start fast. They may come and go. Men and women can feel signs in different ways. Knowing the signs can help you get help quickly.
Heart Attack Warning Signs – Men
Many men feel chest pain or pressure, but signs can also happen in other parts of the body. If these signs are new, get worse, or do not go away, call 911 right away. Symptoms may include:
- Cold sweat, upset stomach, or feeling dizzy
- Chest pressure, squeezing, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes back
- Pain in one or both arms, the shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
Heart Attack Warning Signs – Women
Women can have a heart attack without chest pain. Signs may feel like the flu, stress, or being very tired. Trust your body. If you think something is seriously wrong, call 911. Symptoms may include:
- Pain that spreads to the back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Cold, clammy, or sweaty skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
Heart Attack Treatments
Doctors treat a heart attack by opening the blocked blood vessel and protecting the heart.
What To Do Right Away
- Call 911. Do not drive yourself.
- Sit down and rest while you wait for help.
- If you have nitroglycerin, take it only as your doctor told you.
- If the 911 operator tells you to, chew one adult aspirin (unless you are allergic or told not to take it).
At the Hospital
The team will check your heart and start treatment right away. You may have an EKG, Echo, blood tests, and heart monitoring. Treatments can include:
- Medicines to help blood flow and prevent clots
- Procedures to open the artery, such as angioplasty (PCI) with a stent
- Sometimes, clot-busting medicine or bypass surgery is needed
After You Go Home
You may need daily medication and Cardiac Rehab. These will help you heal and lower your risk of another heart attack.
Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest can happen without warning. It means the heart stops beating, so blood does not move through the body.
A person in cardiac arrest can die within minutes. Call 911 right away. If you are trained, start CPR until help arrives. Signs may include:
- Not breathing normally
- No movement, coughing, or response
- Sudden collapse
If you think you or someone you love is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, call 911 right away. Saint Francis emergency rooms are open 24/7. Our heart doctors and care teams provide advanced heart care in Tulsa. We also help you recover after a heart attack through our Cardiac Rehab program.
Get Care Now
If you think you may have a heart problem, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary doctor and you are looking for heart care in Tulsa, call the Well Connected Hotline at 918-488-6688 to find a provider.