Heart Attack Symptoms and Facts

Heart disease, including STEMI (a specific type of heart attack), is the leading cause of death in Missouri. Specific therapies, administered to STEMI patients within a short time of symptom onset, have proven to reduce mortality and disability.

What is STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)?

A STEMI is a type of heart attack, for which impaired blood flow to the patient’s heart muscle is shown by the ST-segment elevation, in ECG analysis. A STEMI is one type of heart attack that is a potentially lethal condition for which specific therapies, administered rapidly, reduce mortality and disability. The more time that passes before blood flow is restored, the more damage that is done to the heart muscle.

* Symptoms

• Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing or pain)
• Upper body discomfort (arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach)
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

* Source: American Heart Association