Can you recognize symptoms of a heart attack?
Would you know what to do?
A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a section of the heart muscle dies or gets damaged because of reduced blood supply. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart (the coronary arteries). CAD is the main cause of heart attack.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, neck or shoulder, jaw or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Feeling weak, light-headed or faint
- Nausea or vomiting
Heart attack symptoms can start off slowly and may be subtle. Some people experience nausea or stomach pain.
When you recognize the signs, what’s next?
Call 9-1-1 immediately, even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack.
Minutes matter and quick action can save lives, and if it’s you, perhaps your own.
Just as people are different, not all of these signs happen with every heart attack. And sometimes the symptoms go away and return.
And whatever you do, do not drive yourself or allow someone else to drive himself to the hospital.
The American Heart Association reminds us that emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin live-saving treatment and medications when they arrive. There are clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing damage, potential disability and saving lives. In order to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear.
Additionally, paramedics also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at hospitals.
For more information, visit www.heart.org or see a video on symptoms of a heart attack by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at http://tinyurl.com/video-heart.
