Chest Pain Resources
Get educated. Take precaution. Know when to seek help.
Trusted chest pain & heart attack care starts here.
The St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular teams consistently outperform state and national standards, delivering fast, effective, and compassionate care. Whether you're focused on prevention or need urgent treatment, St. Luke’s is with you every step of the way.
St. Luke’s was the first in the Lehigh Valley accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, and we continue to lead the region in heart attack and chest pain treatment. With services at over 15 hospital campuses across eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, expert care is always nearby.
What you need to know.
Facts about heart disease.
Heart disease is more common and more dangerous than many people realize. Knowing the facts can help you take action early and potentially save a life.
- Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.
- 85% of heart damage happens within just 2 hours of the onset of chest pain.
- 50% of sudden cardiac deaths happen outside of the hospital often because people ignore early warning signs.
- Every year, approximately 715,000 Americans have a heart attack.
- Nearly 8 million people in the U.S. have had a heart attack.
- A heart attack happens every 44 seconds in the United States.
Source: http://millionhearts.hhs.gov
Awareness and early action save lives.
Heart attack symptoms can be subtle and may come and go starting as mild discomfort before becoming constant and severe. Recognizing the early signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.
Early warning signs of a heart attack
- Chest pressure, squeezing, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw, back, or shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anxiety or a sense of doom
Not everyone experiences all symptoms and they don’t always feel severe. Trust your instincts.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms:
Take four baby aspirin or one adult-strength aspirin (325 mg) and call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t wait early treatment can save a life.
