If you think you’re having a heart attack, don’t wait to call 911. Calling an ambulance could save your life.
During a heart attack, permanent damage can occur in as little as 30 minutes.
When a heart attack strikes, it’s critical to act quickly. According to the National Institutes of Health, about half of those who die from a heart attack will die within the first hour. Recognizing what’s happening and acting quickly may save your life or the life of someone you love.
Know the symptoms of a heart attack
Did you know that heart attack symptoms can present differently in men and women? Being able to quickly identify the signs of a heart attack is crucial — the faster you call, the faster you can get treatment.
Symptoms Common in Men
- Cold sweat or nausea
- Chest pressure or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Symptoms Common in Women:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Upper back pressure
- Chest pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Fainting or extreme fatigue
Remember these symptoms and CALL 911 immediately if they occur.
Though chest pain is the most common symptom for men and women, be aware that women often experience less obvious symptoms, like anxiety, shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue.
The latest in lifesaving technology
All Williamson Health ambulances are outfitted with a LUCAS 3 device, a cutting-edge CPR machine that helps provide essential treatment on the way to the hospital. Technology, though, is only as good as the people operating it and Williamson Health paramedics are among the most capable and well-trained in the world. When you call our incredible emergency services team, exceptional care comes to you—whether you are at home, at the gym, or even on the side of the road.
Emergency care that begins before you get to the hospital
When you call 911, you get lifesaving care as soon as the paramedics arrive and all the way to the hospital. The early moments of a heart attack are crucial, and getting care before arriving at the emergency room can make the difference between permanent damage and a full recovery.
As part of our integrated technology system, our EMS staff can even transmit EKGs from the field to the Williamson Medical Center Emergency Department. If necessary, the paramedics can activate the cardiology team to prepare the state-of-the-art catheterization lab ahead of your arrival at the Emergency Department — saving precious time during a heart attack.
Know your risk for a heart attack
In recognition of Heart Health Month, Williamson Health will be offering coronary artery calcium score screenings for $65 during February. This CT scan takes only minutes and helps detect buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries that can lead to a heart attack. Are you or someone you love ages 40-75 and at average risk? If so, gift yourself or a loved one a coronary artery calcium score screening.
No referrals are required to receive the scan, simply call 615-435-5361 to schedule your appointment.
The screenings will take place at the Williamson Health Imaging on the first floor of Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee located at:
3000 Edward Curd Lane
Franklin, TN 37067
Please have payment information and the name of your primary care provider available when scheduling your appointment.
This examination is not to be considered a substitute for a clinical examination by a physician. Coronary artery calcium scoring is intended to be a risk assessment test for coronary artery disease only, and the results of this examination should be taken into careful consideration by the patient’s own physician in the context of other factors such as relevant history, physical examination and other indicated or related investigations. Williamson Health is not responsible for any adverse consequences from not sharing the scan results with your doctor. As a self-pay opportunity, this screening will NOT be submitted to insurance.