Five Heart Attack Warning Signs You Need to Know Quick action to call 9-1-1 can save a life Web: Publish Date
3/10/2026
Naples, Florida – Your heart is one of the most important organs as it continually pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood around your body and any disruption can be life threatening. Blood flow blockages within the heart are the cause of heart attacks, and knowing five key symptoms can help you take quick action to save your life or someone else’s in an emergency.
Chest pain or discomfort, especially in the center or on the left side of the chest, is a sign that blood flow to the heart is being limited and the most commonly recognized symptom of a heart attack. The feeling can last for more than a few minutes or repeatedly go away and come back, and is often described as feeling like an elephant is sitting on the chest, a squeezing sensation or feeling of fullness.
That discomfort can radiate to other parts of the body as blood flow is restricted, including the neck, shoulders, arms, back or jaw. Sudden shortness of breath can happen when the blockage keeps the heart from pumping enough blood and causes fluid build-up in the lungs. Unusual, or unexplained tiredness can be a symptom, as can nausea and lightheadedness.
“Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack can save a life because timely treatment is critical,” said Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Leandro Perez. “The more time passes without restoring blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle and that damage is irreversible.”
Lifesaving interventions have reduced deaths from heart attacks by 90 percent since 1970, but about 805,000 people still experience a heart attack each year.
Physicians Regional is committed to delivering timely treatment for heart attacks to support the best possible outcomes. Physicians Regional Collier Blvd and Physicians Regional Pine Ridge are both recognized as 24/7 STEMI-receiving facilities, providing around-the-clock treatment for patients experiencing chest pain and other cardiology emergencies.
STEMI stands for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a severe heart attack caused by clotting in one or more arteries, and is a time-dependent, life-threatening condition requiring rapid recognition, diagnosis and treatment. The new program gives patients local access to a team of specialists from emergency management services, emergency department and cath lab to floor nurses, board-certified and fellowship trained cardiac physicians and advanced practice nurses providing rapid response, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in an environment that is dedicated to cardiac care.
If you, or someone you are with is experiencing unusual symptoms, go ahead and get it checked out to be safe. Always call 9-1-1 because EMS crews can begin treatment when they arrive and on the way to the hospital. This can be up to an hour sooner than if you get to the emergency room by car.
Dr. Perez added, “If you have chest pain or discomfort, unusual fatigue or shortness of breath – take the symptoms seriously. It’s much better to get medical attention and act fast.”
Even if not a heart attack, the warning signs may be signaling that your heart is struggling. Doctors can treat the underlying causes such as coronary artery blockages and intervene before your heart is damaged.
Physicians Regional has continued to invest in cardiovascular services to make lifesaving care available close to home. We have a large array of cardiology specialists including interventional, general, cardiothoracic, vascular and more! If you are concerned about hearty disease or your cardiovascular risk, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with the cardiology team and take charge of your heart health today.
Sources:
American Heart Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Heart Research Institute
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