When to Seek Emergency Care
Recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and other cardiac emergencies that require immediate medical attention.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Quick action saves lives.
Classic Heart Attack Symptoms
- **Chest Discomfort**: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back - **Pain in Other Areas**: Discomfort spreading to one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach - **Shortness of Breath**: May occur with or without chest discomfort - **Cold Sweat**: Breaking out in a cold sweat without exertion - **Nausea or Lightheadedness**: Feeling sick to your stomach or faint
Women May Experience
- Chest discomfort (though less commonly than men) - Shortness of breath - Nausea or vomiting - Back or jaw pain - Unusual fatigue - Dizziness
What to Do
1. **Call 911 immediately** - Don't wait to see if symptoms go away 2. **Chew an aspirin** (325 mg regular aspirin or 4 baby aspirin) if not allergic 3. **Stay calm and rest** - Sit or lie down 4. **Unlock the door** if alone, so emergency responders can enter 5. **Don't drive yourself** to the hospital
Time Matters
- The sooner treatment begins, the more heart muscle can be saved - "Time is muscle" - every minute counts - Treatments like clot-busting drugs or angioplasty work best when given early
Stroke Warning Signs
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Fast action is critical.
Remember F.A.S.T.
- **F - Face Drooping**: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile - is it uneven? - **A - Arm Weakness**: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms - does one drift downward? - **S - Speech Difficulty**: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. - **T - Time to Call 911**: If someone shows ANY of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if symptoms go away.
Other Stroke Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness of leg - Sudden confusion or trouble understanding - Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes - Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination - Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What to Do
1. **Call 911 immediately** - Note the time symptoms started 2. **Don't give food, water, or medications** - swallowing may be impaired 3. **Keep the person comfortable** - Help them lie down with head slightly elevated 4. **Don't let them fall asleep** until medical help arrives 5. **Be ready to provide information** to emergency responders
Why Time Matters
- Clot-busting medication (tPA) must be given within hours - Every minute without treatment, millions of brain cells die - Faster treatment = better outcomes and less disability
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- "Mini-stroke" with symptoms that resolve quickly - Still requires emergency evaluation - Warning sign of potential major stroke
Other Cardiac Emergencies
Know when to seek immediate care for these conditions:
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Person suddenly collapses - No pulse or breathing - Unresponsive to calling or shaking - **Action**: Call 911, start CPR, use AED if available
Severe Bleeding (on Blood Thinners)
- Uncontrollable bleeding from a cut - Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds - Blood in stool (black, tarry, or bright red) - Severe nosebleed that doesn't stop - Coughing up blood - **Action**: Call 911 for severe bleeding
Blood Clots
- **Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)**: Swelling, pain, warmth, redness in one leg - **Pulmonary Embolism (PE)**: Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (worse with breathing), rapid heart rate, coughing up blood - **Action**: PE is an emergency - call 911
Severe Allergic Reaction
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat - Difficulty breathing or swallowing - Hives or widespread rash - **Action**: Call 911 immediately
Device-Related Emergencies
If you have a pacemaker or ICD: - Multiple shocks from your ICD - Signs of infection at the device site (fever, redness, swelling, drainage) - Fainting or near-fainting - **Action**: Call 911 or your doctor immediately
Post-Procedure Emergencies
- Heavy bleeding at the procedure site that doesn't stop with pressure - Signs of infection (fever, increasing redness/swelling/drainage) - Loss of feeling or movement in the affected limb - Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting - **Action**: Call 911 or your doctor immediately
Being Prepared for Emergencies
Preparation can save precious time in an emergency:
Keep Important Information Ready
- List of medications and dosages - List of allergies - Doctor's name and phone number - Insurance information - Emergency contact numbers
Know Where to Go
- Location of nearest emergency room - If you have a complex heart condition, know which hospital specializes in cardiac care
Educate Family Members
- Teach them to recognize emergency symptoms - Show them where emergency information is kept - Consider having family members learn CPR
Learn CPR
- CPR can double or triple survival from cardiac arrest - Classes are available through the American Heart Association and Red Cross - Hands-Only CPR is effective and easy to learn
Consider a Medical ID
- Bracelet or necklace with critical medical information - Helpful if you can't speak during an emergency - Include conditions, medications, allergies
Program Your Phone
- Add ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts - Include important medical information in your phone's emergency settings
Don't Delay
- Don't second-guess your symptoms - Don't worry about "bothering" emergency services - Don't drive yourself - call 911 - Don't wait to see if symptoms improve
It's Better to Be Safe
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. It's always better to have symptoms checked and find out it's not an emergency than to wait and risk serious harm.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 immediately for heart attack or stroke symptoms
- Remember F.A.S.T. for stroke recognition
- Don't drive yourself to the hospital during an emergency
- Time is critical - faster treatment means better outcomes
- Keep emergency information readily accessible
Related Topics
Understanding Heart Disease
Learn about the different types of heart disease, risk factors, symptoms, and how early detection can help protect your heart health.
Atrial Fibrillation Explained
Understand atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Post-Procedure Care
Guide to recovery after a cardiac or vascular procedure, including wound care, activity guidelines, and when to call your doctor.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule an appointment with one of our cardiac specialists to discuss your heart health and create a personalized care plan.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.