Florida Hospital Heartland | Living Well | Winter 2018

The fear of embarrassment can keep you from doing a lot of things. It might stop you from singing karaoke, for example. Or it could convince you not to make your golfing debut at the next local golf tournament. But it should never stop you from getting medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack. According to Dr. Thomas Shimshak, Medical Director for Florida Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Center, people often delay calling for emergency help after a heart attack starts. One major reason: fear of being embarrassed if it turns out to be a false alarm. Getting help at the first sign of a heart attack is the essence of the motto “better safe than sorry.” Quick treatment is so critical to surviving a heart attack that health experts urge you to call 911 for an ambulance rather than ride to the hospital in a private car. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms or signs of a heart attack: ● ● Feeling pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest ● ● Having discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw or the stomach ● ● Feeling short of breath ● ● Feeling nauseous or light-headed, or breaking out in a cold sweat You should get medical help even if your symptoms disappear after a few minutes. Additional source: American Heart Association Our emergency department is always ready to help if you have a medical crisis. Am I having a HEART ATTACK ? Thomas Shimshak, MD Thursday, March 8, 4 to 6 p.m. Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center 4200 Sun N Lake Blvd., Sebring You’re invited to our“Make Every Beat Count”event, featuring cardiology experts speaking about heart-related topics, interactive displays, cath lab tours, hors d’oeuvres and a free gift for each guest. Space is very limited; RSVP now by calling 888-991-4979 . MAKE EVERY BEAT COUNT WINTER 2018