If you are experiencing chest discomfort and believe that you may be having a heart attack go immediately to the nearest hospital. Do not attempt to drive yourself. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Making the decision to get to a hospital early is often the single most important factor in determining survival. Research indicates that one in three people die from a heart attack within the first few hours of experiencing chest pain.
Denial is the number one reason that most people who are experiencing chest pain delay treatment.
They do not want to admit that they may be having a heart attack and they try to dismiss the pain as indigestion or some other less serious illness. As we discuss the treatment for a heart attack it will become clear why delays in seeking care can result in death to the heart muscle. W. B. Saunders Company. Then check out these articles in our Condition Forum. The text presented on these pages is for your information only.