Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack: What You Need to Know
A heart attack can be a life-threatening emergency, but knowing the signs and symptoms can help you act quickly and get the care you need. Here’s what you need to know:
Signs and Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest. It may also radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, even when at rest or with minimal exertion.
- Sweating: You may break out in a cold sweat, even if the room is not particularly hot.
- Nausea or vomiting: You may feel nauseous or vomit due to the intense pain and stress on your body.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.
Action Items
- If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 98412 98412 immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away or try to drive yourself to the hospital.
- Take an aspirin if you have one on hand. This can help prevent blood clots from forming.
- Try to stay calm and breathe deeply. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of a heart attack.
- If you have a history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.