If the COVID-19 outbreak has caused you to experience fear or anxiety, you’re not alone – but that anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from addressing other health care needs. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of people experiencing heart attack and stroke has not changed, but the number of people seeking medical attention for them has. Significantly fewer people are going to the emergency room for heart attack and stroke due to fear of contracting COVID-19 during their visit.

At Arkansas Heart Hospital, we are taking immense measures to keep our facilities clean and safe for you, our patients. We are equipped to both provide life-saving cardiac care and protect our patients from potential exposure to the coronavirus – so if you experience the warning signs of a heart attack, please do not hesitate to seek treatment.

Many patients describe their heart attack pain as an extreme weight on their chest, which can also travel down the left arm, or up to the neck or jaw. Heart attack symptoms may also include shortness of breath, a sense of impending doom, vomiting, profuse sweating, pain in the upper part of the abdomen or indigestion. Studies have shown that the novel coronavirus can impact the heart, and only a proper medical exam can determine if you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or a heart attack — which is why it’s all the more important to go to the hospital if you’re feeling unwell.

Symptoms of a heart attack will sometimes subside after a period of time, but the damage remains. Ignoring the symptoms of a heart attack can lead to permanent damage or death. If you feel nervous about coming into the hospital right now, speak with one of our medical professionals first or ask about telehealth visits. While COVID-19 is a major health concern we’re facing at the moment, it’s important to still give attention to the other issues that could threaten your health.

For more education on how to maintain strong cardiac care during COVID-19, check out our heart health insights.