Five Heart Attack Warning Signs You Need to Know
2/25/2026
Quick action to call 9-1-1 can save a life
POPLAR BLUFF, MO – 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 General Cardiologist Juan Carlos Ruiz Diaz, M.D with Regional Physician Services. “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.
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is committed to delivering timely treatment for heart attacks to support the best possible outcomes. PBRMC was reaccredited as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI through the American College of Cardiology.
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. Ruiz Diaz 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.
PBRMC has continued to invest in cardiovascular services to make lifesaving care available close to home.
Make that appointment for your annual check-up to stay on top of your heart health – online scheduling is available to make it convenient or call 573-778-2600 to schedule with a cardiologist.
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