Expert Care for Heart Attack in Southern California

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the heart muscles. If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911.

At Dignity Health Southern California, our highly-skilled emergency services staff quickly care for symptoms of a heart attack at convenient locations in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Beranrdino. From the time you enter our emergency department, your compassionate care team will begin assessing and treating you.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Doctors have a better chance of preserving your heart when heart attack symptoms first appear. If you previously or currently experience any of these symptoms, immediately dial 911:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain, squeezing, fullness, burning, or pressure in the chest. These sensations may also radiate to the shoulders, arms, back, belly or jaw.
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Cold sweats

The symptoms above can happen suddenly. Sometimes, symptoms of a heart attack can gradually appear after several days or weeks.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Women often experience subtle heart attack symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue along with chest pain. You should always report any unusual body changes or symptoms to your doctor. Early detection is key to preserving and maintaining a healthy heart.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

When blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced, a heart attack ensues. Without enough blood, oxygen and other nutrients can’t reach the heart. This causes heart muscles to die and stop functioning. 

Blood clots and plaque buildup in the arteries are a common cause of heart attack. Sometimes a sudden involuntary movement in the heart muscle (a spasm) can narrow the artery and prevent adequate blood flow. In some cases, a sudden tear in a coronary artery can trap blood in the artery.

Treatment for Heart Attack at Dignity Health Southern California

We know the importance of saving your heart. Our emergency services staff are trained to use blood tests and emergency radiology to diagnose heart attacks. Your doctor will review results from a chest X-ray, EKG, or other exams to find the root cause and provide quick, personalized heart attack treatment.

Our goal is to help you maintain the strong heart you need. From emergency care to heart attack prevention, Dignity Health Southern California offers comprehensive heart care services to help you resume life after a heart attack — Find a Doctor today to get started.

Count on skilled medical professionals at Dignity Health to provide prompt care for a heart attack in Southern California.