Know your signs and symptoms!
 Although some heart attacks come on suddenly and with great intensity, most heart attacks begin slowly, accompanied by increasing mild discomfort. It's not uncommon for a heart attack victim to be unsure of what's wrong and postpone medical help.
Here are some of the more common signs that can mean a heart attack is occurring:
- Chest discomfort or pain. Most heart attacks involve pain in the center of the chest, sometimes described as pressure, fullness or squeezing discomfort. This can last for a few minutes and can go away and return again.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms vary and can include discomfort radiating down one or both arms, into the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. Referred to as dyspnea, this difficult breathing may occur with or without other signs of discomfort.
- Other signs can include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light headedness.
Learn the signs but also remember... Even if you question whether or not it's really a heart attack, you should still have it checked. Better to make that trip to the hospital than to wish you had after the fact. We can't say it enough... Prompt action saves lives! |
