Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. That's why it's important to know your risk factors as well as the signs and symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing any warning signs, call 911. Treatment can begin as soon as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) squad arrives, giving you the best chance of survival. And now that Reston Hospital offers stenting and angioplasty capabilities, life-saving treatment is miles - and minutes - closer to many who live in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
• Women experience chest pain occasionally, but more often will have nausea, back and jaw pain, and shortness of breath.