It is important that you know the warning signs of a heart attack, because every second counts. Your knowledge may save the life of your wife or husband, your mother or father, your friend or co-worker or even your own. If you or someone close to you has symptoms of a heart attack, call 911. Do not drive to the hospital.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue ambulances are equipped with EKG machines that can send your heart tracings to Saint Elizabeth. When a heart attack is detected, the Emergency Room physician activates the Cardiac Alert system, which notifies the cardiologist and the cardiac team. This saves precious minutes and preserves heart muscle.

 
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest discomfort usually in the center of the chest that last more than five minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain 
• Discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach 
• Shortness of breath occurring before or along with chest discomfort
• Sweatiness, nauseas, light-headedness

Take Immediate Action and Call 911 if Symptoms

• Don’t subside with rest
• Occur when resting 
• Continue to get worse 
• Come and go

If you understand your risk for heart disease, you are taking the first step to prevent heart disease. Below is a list of risk factors that you can control that may be putting you at risk for heart disease.

Risk Factors You Can Control

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• High Cholesterol