Emergency Room for Heart Attack Care

A heart attack happens when a part of the heart muscle loses its blood supply due to a blockage in a nearby artery, often caused by plaque buildup that narrows the arteries. This medical emergency shows up as chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to other body parts. Without treatment, a heart attack can progress to cardiac arrest. Recognizing the early symptoms and getting immediate care is vital and can be life-saving. If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 or your local Surepoint ER right away.

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. About 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year due to restricted blood flow. A heart attack can strike suddenly without warning, or you may experience recurring symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks in advance. Common symptoms and signs of a heart attack include:

• Pressure or pain in the middle of your chest that goes away and returns
• Chest pain on the left side
• Tightness in the chest
• Pain that spreads throughout your upper body
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or lightheadedness
• Heartburn or abdominal pain

If you notice any signs of a heart attack, acting quickly is crucial. Call 911 or your local Surepoint ER immediately. If possible, have someone drive you to the nearest emergency center. If your doctor has recommended it, you can take nitroglycerin or aspirin. These medications are designed to reduce heart damage and prevent blood clots. However, it’s important to understand that aspirin may not be suitable for everyone, especially when taken with certain medications. Consult your doctor beforehand to determine if aspirin is a safe option for you.

There are many things you can do to prevent a heart attack, the most important step is to identify your own risk factors. Begin by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Keeping tabs on these numbers gives you a good idea of your heart health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle maintains normal levels and reduces heart disease risk. The following lifestyle changes could help lower the risk of having a heart attack:

• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugary foods.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Manage your weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quit. Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
• Limit Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart problems.
• Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
• Control Blood Pressure: Monitor and control your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure can damage your arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.
• Manage Cholesterol: Keep your cholesterol levels in check. High levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) can clog arteries and lead to heart disease.
• Control Diabetes: If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar levels and keep them within the target range.
• Regular Health Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart disease risk factors.