Heart Attack? Know the Facts!

Although we may use the straightforward phrase “heart attack” to describe a myocardial infarction, we might not easily understand its signs and symptoms. Heart attacks do not affect everyone in the same way. Some cause sudden and extreme pain, while others may start slowly with only mild to moderate discomfort. In general, heart attack symptoms could include:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Severe weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
Discomfort, pain, or heaviness in your chest, arm, back, jaw, or stomach
Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
Heartburn sensation

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, call 911. Immediate action—plus following the tips below after summoning help—can save a life.

Chew one aspirin tablet—unless you cannot take aspirin due to an allergy or drug interaction—and tell paramedics and other health care practitioners that you have done so.
If you are home alone, unlock the door so that help can get inside.
Call a neighbor or family member to let them know what’s going on.
If you are driving when you experience symptoms, park your car on the shoulder of the road or pull down a side street, and put on your hazard lights.

For more information about how to recognize and respond to a heart attack, please visit:

National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Is a Heart Attack?
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/

American Heart Association: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Heart Attack
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Symptoms-and-Diagnosis-of-Heart-Attack_UCM_002041_Article.jsp#

Heart Attack Information for Women
http://www.womenshealth.gov/heartattack/

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Last Modified: 12/20/2011 8:56:12 AM