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IN AN EMERGENCY

Not all cardiac symptoms are emergencies, but when you truly think your problem is life-threatening, do not call the office or try to page the doctor. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not drive there yourself. 

For less severe problems, feel free to contact the office or call Dr. Goldman directly. We tend to manage most problems in the office.

 

 

Some Notes on Chest Pain/Heart Attack 

  • Heart discomfort is frequently not described as “pain”. The discomfort may be just an ill-defined sensation of pressure in the chest, squeezing, fullness, indigestion, discomfort in the jaw, teeth, arms or between the shoulder blades.

  • The symptoms are not necessarily on the left side of your body.

  • Nausea, belching, sweating, lightheadedness and/or shortness of breath may or may not be present.

  • Some people just experience profound fatigue.

  • If your symptoms come on with exertion, slow your pace or stop exerting.

  • If your symptoms do not resolve within minutes of their onset or after slowing/stopping, call 911 or have somebody drive you to the hospital. If you have nitroglycerin you may use it.

Guidelines for Nitroglycerin Use

  1. Place one nitroglycerin tablet or spray under your tongue. Do not swallow the pill.

  2. If symptoms persist in five minutes, take another nitroglycerin pill or spray.

  3. If symptoms continue for another five minutes, take a third nitroglycerin and call 911, as this may be a reflection of a heart attack in progress.

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