Signs of a Heart Attack

One of the biggest reasons that people find themselves at a free-standing ER in Houston is because of a heart attack. A heart attack is severe, and getting treatment at a 24-hour emergency room in Houston is often the difference between life and death. The treatment provided at an emergency room in 77030 could vary. The goal is making sure the patient’s heart is healthy and that whatever is causing the problem is solved as quickly as possible. There is no such thing as a “minor” heart attack. Even the mildest heart attacks are serious events and knowing what to look for is vital.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the heart, which causes someone to come really close to passing away. The heart is not getting blood flow, and when oxygen-rich blood is not nourishing the cardiac muscles, then the heart is unable to pump blood throughout the body. The heart is the engine of the body, and whenever the engine is not working, there are many serious consequences. If someone has a heart attack and too much time passes where oxygenated blood does not reach the brain, that person could end up brain dead. That is why recognizing the signs of heart attacks is the best way to help people navigate through this terrible problem.

Signs of a Heart Attack

When someone keels over clutching their chest, it is an apparent heart attack situation. Some other less noticeable symptoms are as follows:

• Chest Pain: If it feels like you have an uncomfortable pressure, tightness, or general discomfort that does not go away, then you may be gearing up for a heart attack
• Arm and Shoulder Pain: Most men report pain the left arm before a heart attack, but it can happen in the right arm just as well
• Shortness of Breath: When the heart is struggling to pump blood, the lungs don’t get oxygen and can’t work effectively
• Weakness and Unsteadiness: This is when you feel faint and weak from a drop in blood pressure
• Jaw, Back, and Neck Pain: If it feels like the pain is traveling, you could be having a heart attack