Early diagnosis and treatment of a heart attack is critical to minimizing damage to the body's most important muscle, the heart. The first hour following the onset of a heart attack is often referred to as the "golden hour" because most of the damage to the heart is actually done in the first hour or two after onset.

The Chest Pain Center at Springhill Medical Center is designed to take advantage of the "golden hour" by providing rapid diagnostic and treatment options for those experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

Common symptoms of a heart attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Remember that one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack is denial that the symptoms may be serious. The Chest Pain Center can help determine if your symptoms are harmless or may indicate a more serious problem.