One of the most common reasons for people to visit emergency rooms is chest pains. And, these visits are with good reason. Chest pains should never be ignored. They can be a sign you’re having a heart attack and, if so, always remember that ‘seconds count.’ As a good rule of thumb, if you’re having a tightening and pain in your chest, you should immediately go to an emergency room to see a physician or call 9-1-1. Emergency Hospital Systems operates five ER’s in our communities, and all are equipped to take care of you if you arrive with chest pains. We have facilities in Cleveland (two), and one each in Spring, Porter, and Humble.
There are occasions when chest pains are caused by factors other than a heart attack. It’s also important to know that symptoms vary somewhat between men and women. Symptoms of a heart attack that should never be ignored, however, include the following:
• Chest discomfort is common in heart attack victims. This pain is generally located in the center of the chest and can last more than a few minutes. In some cases, the pain may go away only to return later. Often the pain feels like an uncomfortable fullness, squeezing, pressure, or pain, and is described by some as having a ‘clenched fist’ in the chest.
• Pain or discomfort may occur in other parts of the upper body. This pain may occur either with or without chest pains and can happen in either or both arms, the back,neck, or jaw.
• Nausea, feeling lightheaded, faint, or fatigued. These symptoms are sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Along with tightening in the chest, these symptoms are a strong indication that a heart attack is underway.
• Sweating, a feeling of clamminess, or shortness of breath are sometimes experienced during a heart attack. These may occur together or individually and are symptoms to be aware of, especially if accompanied by chest pain.
There are also differences between heart attacks symptoms in men and those in women. With women, symptoms may include sleep disturbances, dizziness, or unexplained anxiety. Men, on the other hand, may experience nausea or cold sweat. These symptoms may occur along with the
general symptoms noted above.
While many conditions mimic a heart attack, the best choice of action, should you have chest pains, is to visit an emergency room or a doctor. Emergency Hospital System has five fully equipped ER’s located in the communities of Deerfield (2), Spring, Porter, and Humble. Should you have chest pains don’t second guess your symptoms, come to one of EHS’s emergency rooms to be evaluated. If you cannot get to one of ours, call 9-1-1 or go to a nearby hospital.
We’re open 24/7/365, have plenty of free parking, and our wait times are short. And if you have chest pains, we will see you immediately. Call today, 281-592-5400.