Know the signs of heart attack.

Act quickly! If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

Typical signs for both men and women:

  * Discomfort or pain in the center of the chest
  * Discomfort in the arm(s), back, neck, jaw or stomach
  * Difficulty breathing
  * Heartburn, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  * Cold sweats or clammy skin
  * Dizziness or light-headedness
  * Pounding heart or change in rhythm

Signs more common for women (often without chest pain or discomfort)

  * Milder symptoms
  * Sudden onset of weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches
    or overall feeling of illness

Acting quickly is crucial to save your life or that of a loved one.

Chest Pain Center

El Camino Hospital was the first hospital in the South Bay to gain national accreditation for its Chest Pain Center. Our Chest Pain Center offers state-of-the-art observation and treatment and is open 24 hours daily in the emergency department. CLICK HERE to learn more about our accredited chest pain center.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the heart’s demand for oxygen is greater than the supply. Oxygen is carried to the heart muscle by blood vessels. When these blood vessels become blocked by a clot or from a fatty substance call plague the blood flow is decreased or cut off completely. When there is no oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscle the cells die and a heart attack occurs. If the blockage can be cleared within 90 minutes from the time of onset, by either a balloon catheter or a clot busting medication, and blood flow is restored,
heart muscle can be saved and damage to the heart minimized.

Learn more about heart attack and your risk.

Chest pain (angina)

Also call angina or angina pectoris, chest pain is the body’s response to decreased blood flow & oxygen to the heart tissue because the blood vessels are narrowed or blocked. It may be experienced suddenly as severe pain or discomfort (tightness or pressure) in the chest and may radiate into the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm or it may start slowly with only mild pain or discomfort. Some people also experience:

• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• sweating
• nausea
• dizziness and/or
• vomiting

Learn more about angina/angina pectoris.

Click here to learn more about EECP treatment for angina.

What are the differences between Angina and a Heart Attack?

There are usually three characteristics that distinguish chest pain (angina) from heart attack. Angina usually occurs as a result of emotional stress or exercise and goes away after resting for several minutes. Heart attack victims continue to experience pain even after rest which may last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Medication called nitroglycerine will sometimes relieve the pain of angina.

Plan Ahead:

• Learn the warning signs
• Talk with family and friends about the warning signs and the need to call 9-1-1 quickly
• Talk with your heath care provider about the factors which increase your chance of having a heart attack – and act to reduce your risk.