A heart attack is a frightening event, and
you probably don't want to think about it. But, if you learn the
symptoms of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a
life–maybe your own.What are the
symptoms of a heart attack? Many people think a heart attack is sudden
and intense, like a "movie" heart attack, where a person clutches his
or her chest and falls over.
The truth is that many heart attacks
start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel such a
symptom, you may not be sure what's wrong. Your symptoms may even come
and go. Even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize their
symptoms, because the next attack can have entirely different ones.
If you are
having heart attack symptoms
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Do not delay.
Don't waste time wondering if you really are having one. Get
help now!
Symptoms of a heart attack are:
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Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve
discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than
a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can
feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or
pain. |
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Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back,
neck, jaw, or stomach. |
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Shortness of breath. Often comes along with
chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest
discomfort. |
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Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a
cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. |
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For
women: As with men, women's most common heart attack
symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat
more likely than men to experience some of the other common
symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting,
and back or jaw pain. |
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If you have
any of these heart attack symptoms CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Do not delay. Don't waste time wondering if you really
are having one. Get help. Even if you don't think you're at risk for
a heart attack you could be having one! 28 year old women with
no history of heart disease in their family, who run 3 miles a day and
eat healthy have had heart attacks. If you are experiencing
heart attack symptoms get help. |
