Chest pain can send a sudden jolt of panic through anyone. It is a terrifying experience that often brings the absolute worst-case scenarios to mind. Chest pain or pressure can have many causes, but new, unexplained or persistent chest discomfort should never be self-diagnosed. Heart attack symptoms are not always sudden or severe. They may begin as mild pressure, tightness or discomfort and may occur with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness or pain elsewhere in the upper body.

Heart disease can develop quietly over many years. High cholesterol and plaque buildup often cause no noticeable symptoms, so many people may not recognize their risk until a serious cardiovascular event occurs. This is especially concerning in Oklahoma, where heart disease is the leading cause of death.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, yet most people don't know what it feels like until something goes wrong. Symptoms are easy to dismiss. They might involve a headache, some dizziness, maybe a little nausea, but in some cases, those same signs point to something far more serious. When is blood pressure too high? INTEGRIS Health is helping patients recognize dangerous high blood pressure symptoms and act fast.