Recognize the Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke!
by Kathy Pinkava, RN
April 04, 2008
A recent CDC survey showed that only about 1 in 4 Americans know the signs of a heart attack and what to do. That is down from 1 in 3 in the 2001 survey. Let's review with information from the American Heart Association.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
1. Chest discomfort. Most often in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. 2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, neck, jaw or stomach. 3. Shortness of breath. Can occur with or without chest discomfort. 4. Other signs. These can include breaking out in a cold sweat, exercise intolerance, nausea and lightheadedness.
If you or someone you are with has one or more of these signs CALL 911/ EMS. If you can't access EMS get to a hospital right away. Do not drive yourself unless there is absolutely no other option! "Lost time is lost heart muscle". There are several heart saving treatment options if you get to advanced care in time.
Stroke Warning Signs
1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5. Sudden severe headache with no known case.
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs- don't delay! Call 911/EMS right away. "Lost time is lost brain". Note the time that signs started. If given within 3 hours of the start of symptoms, clot-busting drugs can reduce long term disability from the most common type of stroke. There is more information at www.americanheart.org.
