WASHINGTON, DC—February is American Heart Month, and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges everyone to learn the warning signs of a heart attack so they can act quickly and go to the emergency department when necessary.

“Minutes matter when someone’s heart is in trouble,” said L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. “If something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to seek emergency care right away.”

In the United States, somebody has a heart attack every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Emergency physicians share tips for recognizing a heart emergency:

Severe chest pain may not be the first sign. A heart attack may not always start suddenly with crushing chest pain. Some people experience uncomfortable pressure, tightness, or fullness in the left or center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort can also spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back.

Shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats, or unexplained fatigue may also signal a heart attack, especially when occurring with the other symptoms.

Men and women can have different symptoms. Women may experience shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, nausea, or pain in the back, neck or jaw.

Seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait until symptoms become unbearable. The longer a heart attack progresses without treatment, the more heart muscle can be permanently damaged. Anyone who thinks they are having a medical emergency should not hesitate to seek emergency care.

If you think you are experiencing a heart emergency, call an ambulance rather than driving yourself to the emergency department so that EMS professionals can begin lifesaving care on the way to the hospital.

“The chances of survival improve when emergency care begins as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Cirillo.