Editorial Submitted by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “heart attack?”

Unfortunately, many people have misperceptions of heart attack symptoms. During a heart attack, a clot often gets lodged in an artery that feeds oxygen rich blood to the muscle of the heart. Unless that blockage is quickly removed, that part of the heart muscle dies.

Clot-dissolving drugs can sometimes be given to patients in the Emergency Department, however they must be administered within three hours of the start of symptoms. Coronary angioplasty is also an option, however to be most effective it also must be performed promptly.

“We can’t stress enough how important it is for patients to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and go to the hospital quickly. Our ability to treat a heart attack goes down significantly when the patient delays,” says Nishit A. Choksi, M.D., director, interventional cardiology at DMC Huron Valley- Sinai Hospital.

While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

Watch for these signs of a heart attack:

• chest discomfort, uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
• discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body:arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• shortness of breath
• breaking out in a cold sweat
• nausea or vomiting
• lightheadedness“

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort,” said Kathryn Pitone-Lipkin, D.O., cardiologist at DMC Huron Valley- Sinai Hospital. “Yet, women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms as well.”

If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than five minutes before seeking medical attention.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. If you can’t call 9-1-1, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you’re the one having symptoms, don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Regular checkups can help detect a heart problem before it develops into something sever. For a cardiologist or physician in your area, call 1-888-DMC-2500 or visit www.dmc.org.