Heart Attack

Our Approach

At Franciscan Health, the early heart attack care initiative promotes recognition of the signs and symptoms of an impending heart attack even when symptoms may be mild. This focus on early heart attack care has placed Franciscan Health among the top-ranking hospitals for successful outcomes.

It's possible to prevent a heart attack through early detection and treatment, before any damage to the heart occurs. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most progress slowly with only mild pain or discomfort. As a result, people affected often aren't aware and wait to seek help.

Remember this:

• Learn the signs of an early heart attack.
• Even if you'e not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out and tell a doctor about your symptoms.
• Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives – maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 911 or your emergency response number.

Know the early symptoms of a heart attack

For both men and women, the earliest heart attack symptom is chest pain and discomfort, while other common mild chest symptoms include pressure, burning, aching or tightness. Women may experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain more often than men. For many, symptoms tend to come in waves before becoming constant and severe.

Common early symptoms of a heart attack include, but are not limited to:

• Nausea
• Feeling of fullness
• Pain that travels down one or both arms
• Shortness of breath 
• Jaw pain
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack, dial 911 immediately and, when necessary, administer CPR. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff will begin treatment upon arrival - up to an hour sooner than if a patient arrived at the hospital by car - and are trained to resuscitate an individual whose heart has stopped. Additionally, patients arriving by ambulance typically receive faster treatment.