Don't Ignore the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

1. Don'tIgnoretheWarningSignsofa Heart Attack A heart attack happens when the flow of blood to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stops completely, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. In many cases, heart attacks can be treated through simple lifestyle changes and medications. If you experience the symptoms of a heart attack, call the emergency number immediately and tell them that you think you’re having a heart attack and heart disease symptoms to expedite treatment. 1

2. The warning signs 1. Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common signs of a heart attack. It could be painful, squeezing, full, or pressing. 2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach 3. Shortness of breath 4. Breaking out in a cold sweat 5. Nausea or vomiting 6. Extreme fatigue 7. Dizziness 8. Headache 9. A feeling that you are going to pass out 10. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms don’t hesitate to visit the heart attack doctor and have it checked out by a medical professional Recognizing symptoms Many heart attacks don't happen suddenly — instead, they start slowly, with mild pain and discomfort. Pay attention to your body if you experience any of the following symptoms • soreness or pain in the chest that lasts more than two minutes; • Sharp chest pain that may feel like indigestion; • Pain in other areas of the upper body, such as your arm or neck; • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing; or sudden dizziness, sweating or nausea • Unusual fatigue For those who have already experienced a heart attack, it is important to know the warning signs so that prompt treatment can be given. 2

3. Are you having a heart attack? It's important to know the warning signs of a heart attack and to seek medical attention immediately if you think you may be having one. Chest pain or discomfort, upper body pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and nausea are all signs that something could be wrong. Don't wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own- get to a hospital as soon as possible. If you're experiencing these symptoms and have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or smoking,. Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating; this can happen within minutes after a person has their first symptom of a heart attack. If someone nearby starts CPR and delivers an electric shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED), there is more than an 80% chance they will survive until emergency help arrives. Emergency action plan If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call emergency immediately. This is a medical emergency. Drive neither you nor the patient to the hospital. When it comes to treatment, every second matters. While waiting for help to arrive, have the person sit down and rest. If they are in pain, have them take nitroglycerin if they have been prescribed it. Aspirin can also help if the person does not have any allergies to it. Make sure that the person is breathing regularly. Stay with them until paramedics arrive and then follow their instructions about whether to go with them to the hospital or wait there for their family members. If they are conscious, encourage them to stay as still as possible while lying down and making themselves comfortable. Give them something cold to drink. A wet cloth on their forehead can provide some relief from the heat and bring comfort too. 3

4. Treatment options When it comes to heart attacks, time is of the essence. Every minute that passes without treatment, your heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and begins to die. That's why it's important to know the warning signs and get to a hospital as soon as possible. These are chest pain or discomfort, which can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or tightness; discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arm(s), neck or jaw; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness or dizziness; cold sweat on forehead; weakness in arms and legs. In general, if you experience any symptoms listed above while you're resting at home with no apparent reason (i.e., not due to exertion), seek medical attention immediately. If you have access to heart attack emergency treatment services. If you have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available, use it—following instructions from the device—to administer electric shocks until paramedics arrive. 4