Heart Attack Symptoms

Recognize symptoms of a heart attack
If you are experiencing symptoms that could be a signal of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately.

Classic symptoms
Squeezing chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Tightness in chest
Recurring chest discomfort
Pain spreading to shoulders, neck or arms

More likely in women
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
Unexplained weakness, fatigue
Discomfort/pain between shoulder blades
Sense of impending doom

Take heart, take care, take action!
Talk to your doctor about heart disease. If you don’t have a family physician, please contact Covenant Health, and we can assist you in finding a physician who meets your needs. The phone number is 865-541-4500, and a physician directory also is online at covenanthealth.com.

Ask your doctor to conduct a thorough assessment of your heart, including determining your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride and glucose levels. Ask about your risk factors for heart disease each year. If you have one or more risk factors, ask if you should have an electrocardiograph (EKG) or exercise stress test.

Seek additional resources and information. Contact Covenant Health at 865/541-4500 and find out where there is a cardiac rehabilitation center close to your home and other programs to help you stop smoking and/or lose weight. Contact other area organizations in your community that offer health education, such as the American Heart Association, public library and other agencies.

Be assertive
Make sure that your concerns are heard. If you have symptoms, even if they are vague and you think they may not be serious, make an appointment to see your primary care physician. Ask to be referred to a cardiologist if your symptoms do not improve or if you are worried and want a second opinion.