Heart Attack Warning Signs

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

12 Jul 2006 10:28 AM

Most heart attacks start slowly. A person having a heart attack may not know something is seriously wrong... and may wait too long before getting help. Here are the most common symptoms of a heart attack.

1. Chest discomfort. You may feel pressure, a feeling of squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. The discomfort may last for several minutes or may appear and come back. This is the most common symptom of a heart attack!
2. Upper body discomfort. You may feel pain in one or both arms, in the back, in the stomach, or in the jaw.
3. Shortness of breath. You don't have to have chest pains or discomfort to experience this symptom.
4. Cold sweats.
5. Nausea and possibly vomiting.
6. Lightheadedness.

Women are more likely than men to experience upper body pain (especially in the back, jaw, and arms), shortness of breath, and nausea with a heart attack. Experiencing any of the symptoms of the list with chest pressure, pain, or discomfort means you should seek help.

If you or someone you are with are experiencing chest discomfort -- especially with one or more of the other symptoms -- act fast. Don't wait more than five minutes before calling 911 for help or heading for the hospital emergency room.

Calling 911 is usually the fastest way to get treatment if you are having a heart attack. The emergency medical staff can begin treatment as soon as they arrive; if you decide to go to the hospital, you are wasting the time of the drive, the intake/insurance stuff at the emergency room, and any other wait time. Emergency medical staff members are also able to revive someone whose heart has stopped.

If you don't have access to 911 and/or emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the hospital immediately. Don't drive yourself! Get a friend, family member, neighbor, someone.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger