Heart Attacks Don’t Care, But We Do

Heart attacks can happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone. When they do, every minute matters. During American Heart Month this February, Wilson Medical Center is reminding the community that advanced, accredited heart care is available close to home when it is needed most. 

Wilson Medical Center is an accredited Chest Pain Center through the American College of Cardiology, recognizing the hospital’s ongoing expertise and commitment in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients with chest pain and heart attack symptoms. We undergo rigorous on-site evaluation every three years to maintain this accreditation. This distinction reflects a sustained focus on rapid response, evidence-based care, and strong coordination across the full continuum of heart services. 

This recognition demonstrates Wilson Medical Center’s commitment to providing high quality emergency heart care for residents of Wilson and surrounding communities. The hospital works closely with local EMS and first responders to ensure patients move efficiently from first medical contact through treatment and recovery, while clinical teams continuously evaluate response times, care pathways and outcomes to strengthen reliability and ensure prompt, appropriate care for patients experiencing chest pain. We have a tertiary care partner in UNC Rex, if a higher level of care is needed.  Cardiologists have privileges with us and UNC Rex, which further allows us to coordinate a higher level of care if needed.  We appreciate our partnership and our teams run “mock drills”, and review data and timelines for continual improvements.  This partnership allows us to offer the full continuum of care to every patient we see. 

 As an accredited Chest Pain Center, Wilson Medical Center has committed to a higher standard of care for emergency cardiac services, continual quality improvement in heart care, and community education and resources to help keep hearts healthy.  

The warning signs of heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., responsible for one in four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). But it doesn’t have to be. Through education and early treatment, heart disease can be successfully treated and, in many cases, even prevented.  

Protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing the warning signs and symptoms people may experience before a heart attack:   

• Chest pain or discomfort  
• Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach  
• Shortness of breath 
• Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats 

While these are the primary signs of heart attack in adults, women can often experience less commons signs and symptoms, such as:   

• Sharp, burning chest pain  
• Fluttering in the chest (also known as arrhythmia) 
• Pain in the neck, jaw, abdomen or throat 
• Upper back pain 
• Indigestion or heartburn 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Extreme fatigue  
• Upper body discomfort  
• Shortness of breath 
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen  

The good news is that everyone can lower the risk of heart disease by knowing these early signs of heart attack and practicing good preventive habits, including exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking and controlling your blood pressure.    

If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a heart attack, contact 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room or Accredited Chest Pain Center.  

Dr. Sheshadri is Wilson Medical Center’s Chest Pain Center of Excellence Medical Director and Cardiology Physician Champion