Need emergency care? Find an emergency room near you and check wait times.Īfter the emergency is over, your doctor will work with you to determine a treatment plan. Treatment of heart attackĬall 911 or go to a hospital emergency room if you are:

If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911. discomfort or pain in your upper body or chest such as pressure, squeezing or tightness.Other possible locations of pain caused by heart problems are midchest, shoulders, elbows, upper abdomen or fingers pain that moves to your shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, teeth or back and is spread around.sudden weakness and/or unusual tiredness, light headedness.nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain.pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms.cold sweat, fatigue, light headedness or sudden dizziness.It's important to know the symptoms, which can include: Symptoms for men may include: Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but symptoms could also occur hours, days or weeks in advance. A feeling of chest pressure or heaviness is common, but some people may experience mild pain while other have sharp, more severe pain. Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. If you have chest pain seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms such as fever, chills and coughing up phlegm are not typically associated with heart attack. Chest pain that is aching, sharp or stabbing, may be caused by other conditions such as acid reflux or heartburn, pleurisy or joint and muscle pain. In general, any pain that gets worse with movement is not from the heart. Heart pain is usually not sharp or stabbing. If you have chest pain constantly for several days, weeks or months, it is unlikely to be caused by a heart attack. If the pain becomes continuous, seek medical attention immediately and consider calling 911. Heart attack pain may start with chest pressure that comes and goes, sometimes with exertion. If your pain is on your right side, a heart attack is unlikely. Heart pain may radiate to the left arm or neck. Some people describe a heart attack as feeling like 'an elephant is sitting on my chest.' It is sometimes associated with shortness of breath. Typical heart pain is a dull, pressure-like or burning sensation. Your risk of heart disease and heart attack increases with: For example, you doctor will assess your risk for heart disease which can lead to a heart attack. There are things your doctor can recommend to reduce your risk of a heart attack and live a heart-healthy life. It can also be a warning sign that a heart attack may occur. Causes of heart attack and heart diseaseĬhest pain can result from blocked or reduced blood flow to the heart – better known as a heart attack. If you have sudden chest pain seek medical attention immediately.īefore a heart attack happens, learn more about the heart attack causes, symptoms and treatment. Identifying the cause of chest pain symptoms can be complex and challenging. A blockage in one or more arteries that limits or stops blood flow to the heart can lead to a heart attack.Ĭhest pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek emergency care. Heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), is the number one cause of death in the US for both men and women.

Pinpoint pain in chest