Chest Pain Awareness
Heart attacks have beginnings. These beginnings occur in more than 50% of patients. Most importantly, if recognized in time, these "beginnings" can be treated before the heart is damaged!We are excited to share our new partnership with the American College of Cardiology to provide our communities an in-depth understanding of how early recognition can save hearts. Early Heart Attack Care (or EHAC) education teaches you to recognize the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Why? We want you to become an active bystander so you can save a life - even if it’s yours.
Click here to complete the EHAC course.
Alarming Statistics
- Heart disease causes approximately 1 of 4 deaths in the United States.
- About 50% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people don't act on early warning signs.
- Survey results show that only 27% of the respondents were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 911.
- By sharing Early Heart Attack Education (EHAC), we can change these sobering statistics!
Visit this link to learn more about Hands-Only CPR.
Early signs
Early signs and symptoms that can begin hours or days before a heart attack. You may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms. You may experience mild chest symptoms, such as pressure, burning, aching or tightness. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe.
- Nausea
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of fullness
- Indigestion
If you one or more of these symptoms, you owe it to yourself to get these symptoms checked out immediately at Willamette Valley Medical Center.
Remember, call 9-1-1 if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.