Cardiology - Heart Hero
Heart Attacks - Learn the Warning Signs
You can save a life by seeking immediate medical treatment before the heart muscle is permanently damaged. People who are treated within the first hour of exhibiting symptoms have an 80 percent chance of preventing muscle damage.
It is important to understand that most individuals don't demonstrate the classic warning signs first, such as chest pain. Pay attention to more subtle signs, such as indigestion, nausea or shortness of breath. Seek medical treatment as quickly as possible.
Seek Help in an Emergency
Don't let denial or fear delay treatment. Don't try to drive to the emergency room - call 911 and request an ambulance. Emergency medical technicians are prepared to handle escalating symptoms.
Act Promptly
The American Heart Association states that 50,000 lives could be saved each year if cardiac emergencies were treated with greater urgency. The rate of survival decreases by as much as 10 percent with every minute that passes before a victim's heart is shocked back into rhythm. As a result, less than 5 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive.
Signals of a Heart Attack
Your body likely will have one or more of these symptoms:
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Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
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Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.
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Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
Less Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack:
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Atypical chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain.
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Nausea or dizziness (without chest pain).
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Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (without chest pain).
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Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue.
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Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness.
Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they will come and go. Should they occur, get help immediately. If you notice one or more of these signs in another person, don't wait.
Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible!