Signs of a Heart Attack

The first hour of a heart attack is known as the golden hour. If you get help within this hour, you are more likely to recover. The time it takes our team to deliver life-saving treatment at Skagit Regional Health Heart and Vascular Institute is among the best in the nation.

If you are experiencing chest pains or think you're having a heart attack, do not hesitate to call or text 9-1-1.

Physicians recommend getting emergency help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms for two minutes or more:

• Pressure or fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest.
• Pain spreading to shoulders, neck and arms
• Severe pain
• Sudden weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Sweating
• Nausea or shortness of breath

For those with angina: any change in frequency, duration or intensity of the attacks or symptoms that don't respond to nitroglycerine.

Not all of these warning signals occur in every heart attack. A delay in getting medical help can be deadly. At Skagit Regional Health, we will provide you with great care right here at our facilities in your community.