You might be surprised to learn that most men and women having a heart attack don't even realize it.  That's because the vast majority of heart attacks happen slowly with just discomfort or mild pain.  Relatively few heart attacks strike with a sudden, intense pain that can make someone clutch their chest.  More often, they aren't sure what's wrong and don't get help soon enough.  

Warning Signs:

• Chest discomfort - Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.  It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath - This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs - These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Located at Forest Lane and Central Expressway, the ER at Medical City was the first in Dallas to be accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers for excellence in emergency heart attack procedures.  Our specialists at Medical City Heart provide the latest advances in heart failure, heart surgery, heart transplantation, heart attack interruption and rehabilitation.

If you or someone you're with feels chest discomfort, especially combined with any of these other warning signs, call 911 immediately.