Chest pain is a common complaint for a number of ER patients. The symptom, itself, can mean the situation is critical or it could be a result of simple indigestion. The Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and Herrin Hospital, both accredited Chest Pain Centers, make it their business to know the difference and has streamlined the appropriate care. If it’s a heart attack, time is critical and a quick, finely-tuned process will ensue. 
The result: Accredited Chest Pain Centers are making sure that treatment happens in half the time it takes many hospitals in the US.
The benefits: Better care, prognosis and quality of life.
Never ignore a heart attack symptom. The longer you wait to get help, the greater the chance your heart will be permanently damaged.
If you ever feel any of these symptoms … call 911 right away.
Call 911 if:
- You have sudden crushing, squeezing, tightening or pressure in your chest.
- Pain radiates to your jaw, left arm or between your shoulder blades.
- You have nausea, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart or shortness of breath.
- You know you have angina and your chest discomfort is suddenly more intense, brought on by lighter activity or lasts longer than usual.
- Your angina symptoms occur at rest.
- You have sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a stretch of bedrest (for example, following an operation), or other lack of movement that can lead to a blood clot in your leg.
Your risk of heart attack is greater if you:
- have a family history of heart disease
- smoke
- don’t exercise regularly
- are overweight
- have high cholesterol
- have high blood pressure
- have diabetes
Besides heart attacks, chest pain can be caused from a number of things, all of which can be serious: angina, panic attacks, heartburn and pneumonia just to name a few. If you are concerned, it is important to be examined by a doctor.