Knowing The Signs Of A Heart Attack Can Save Your Life

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Heart Disease
Article Date: 30 Jan 2013 - 0:00 PST


With February being American Heart Month, it is time to remember what the signs of a heart attack are, in order to keep yourself and your family members safe.

Not being aware of heart attacks symptoms can be dangerous. Often times people experiencing a heart attack are unsuspecting, and wait many hours before seeking help.

By being educated on heart attack signs you can save the life of a friend, family member, or your own.

Not all people experiencing a heart attack feel sudden, excruciating pain. While some heart attacks come on powerfully and unexpectedly, most begin mildly and slowly, causing little pain.

According to New York cardiologist David Brongo, M.D., Nyack Hospital Chief of Cardiology, Columbia Doctors of the Hudson Valley, the tell-tale signs of a heart attack include:

• Discomfort felt in the middle of the chest that lingers more than a few minutes, or disappears and then returns.
• Discomfort or pain in other places of the upper body: one or both arms, stomach, jaw, neck, or back.
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain.
• Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.

The more of these signs you are experiencing, the more likely it is that you are having a heart attack. Women are more likely than men to experience back or jaw pain, shortness of breath, or nausea and vomiting.

Some women feel no chest pain at all, but may well be experiencing a heart attack. Women could misinterpret heart attack signs for less severe health issues like the flu or acid reflux.

If you feel like you may be experiencing a heart attack, it is important not to wait to call 911. When responding to a heart attack, every minute counts. Even if you are not positive the symptoms you have are a heart attack, it is still smart to call 911.

It is imperative not to drive yourself to the hospital, have someone else drive you. By contacting 911, emergency medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment during the trip to the emergency room.

It is imperative to listen to your body and not disregard chest pain. Receiving quick treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Earlier this month, a study revealed that women could cut their risk of heart attack by one-third by eating three or more servings of blueberries or strawberries a week. The authors suggested the reason is probably because these foods are high in anthocyanins.

Written by Kelly Fitzgerald
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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