Signs of a heart attack
Act in Time
The
American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time"
campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and
the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of
heart attack symptoms.
Dial 9-1-1 Fast
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death
emergencies -- every second counts. If you see or have any of
the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs
occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away
and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack
and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments
unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting
drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing
disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs
must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke
symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay -- get help right
away!
Statistics
Coronary heart disease is America's
No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious
disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk
factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly
and properly if warning signs occur.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and
intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one
doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly,
with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure
what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are
signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
*
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the
center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that
goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure,
squeezing, fullness or pain.
* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can
include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck,
jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest
discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
* Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat,
nausea or lightheadedness
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially
with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than
a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call
9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.
If you or a loved
one has heart disease or if your family has had a history you
should consider investing in an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
It could make the difference between life and death.
SEE AED INFO>>>
