Chest pain can strike at any time of the day or night. This year, between four and five million Americans will be assessed in the emergency department for chest pain.  Of these, 1.5 million will be diagnosed with a heart attack.  Early diagnosis and treatment of a heart attack significantly reduces the potential for death.  It is very important to seek medical treatment immediately when the signs and symptoms of heart attack occur.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms include:

• pressure or crushing pain in the center of the chest that may radiate down the left arm or into the jaw area.
• sweating
• nausea and/or
• shortness of breath

Any chest pain that lasts more than ten minutes could be a sign of a heart attack.  If you are experiencing such pain, please go to the nearest emergency department.