Over 800,000 people in the United States died this year (2017) because of heart disease and its effects. You can save a life by recognizing heart attack symptoms and quickly getting help.
Heart attacks occur when the heart does not get enough oxygen, and the heart muscles start to die.
Do you know the warning signs if you or your loved one is having a heart attack?
If not, now is the time to learn. If an emergency occurs, you need to take action and not panic.
Here are a few questions to ask:
Where does it hurt?
Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, but not every person experiences this warning.
Pain appears in unexpected places and may come and go.
Heart attack victims report pain radiating in every direction on the upper body. The jaw, neck, arms, back and stomach are all possible places where pain or discomfort may occur before or during a heart attack.
Can you swallow?
Some people with heart disease say taking an enteric-coated aspirin has saved their lives, but others find they can’t swallow.
Try to swallow a drink of water.
If you can’t, this is one symptom of a heart attack. Other possible symptoms are nausea or vomiting immediately after swallowing provided there is not another explanation.
Sometimes, a person with swallowing issues also has breathing difficulties and mild dizziness without any upper body pain.
Are you energetic or fatigued?
Have you had difficulty sleeping?
Are you overly tired even after resting?
Your lack of energy could be a warning. Modern times tend to keep you on the go, and fast paces increase your need for sleep.
If that’s not the case for you, your inability to lie down and sleep could be your signal to get checked out.
What can you do to prepare?
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Join a CPR class.
The American Heart Association reports if help is given at the onset of heart attack symptoms 300,000 or more lives could be saved each year. So, the best thing you can do is, “be ready”.
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Always keep access to a phone.
Call 9-1-1 when you suspect a heart problem. It’s better you know that it’s “just heartburn” than to chance becoming a statistic.
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Find a nearby hospital that specializes in emergency heart care.
Make sure you find a hospital that’s available 24 hours a day. You can’t predict what time an emergency happens.
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Make a short list of questions to ask your doctor.
You need to know if you are at risk of having a heart attack. More importantly, ask about diet, exercise and supplements that could help you prevent one.
- Visit the American Heart Association’s website to learn more about heart attack symptoms.
The more you know about heart attack symptoms, the better chance you have of saving a loved one or yourself. The American Heart Association is devoted to educating the public about this growing global issue.
When dealing with a heart attack, the situation will still be difficult. But, if you are armed with the knowledge of what to expect or do, you may just save a life.