Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Not all heart attacks are obvious. In fact, most heart attacks begin gradually presenting only mild pain or discomfort; therefore, those affected often aren’t certain they’re having a heart attack and ill advisedly postpone getting treatment.
The following are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest Discomfort – Uncomfortable pressure, a feeling of fullness, a squeezing sensation or outright pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or that is recurring, is a common symptom
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach may also be symptoms
- Shortness of breath, not necessarily accompanied by chest discomfort
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness are additional symptoms
These symptoms apply to both men and women; however, women are likely to present other symptoms, predominantly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Commit these heart attack sign to memory and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, even if you aren’t certain you’re having a heart attack. Every second counts. So, it’s better to safe than sorry. Do not wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1!
Stroke Warning Signs
Presenting any entirely different set of symptoms than a heart attack, the warning signs of stroke as outlined by the American Stroke Association are as follows:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
One or more of these signs should prompt immediate action—call 9-1-1! Then note the time, so you’ll know that time the first symptoms appeared. The importance of acting quickly cannot be understated, as clot-busting drugs (tPAs) administered within three hours of the episode’s inception can greatly reduce the likelihood of long-term disability as a result of the stroke.
Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
As its name suggests, cardiac arrest strikes without delay and without warning. The signs of cardiac arrest are:
- Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders).
- No normal breathing (the victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds).
If someone you are with someone who displays these symptoms, have someone else call 9-1-1 and bring you an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), while you start administering CPR at once.
If are alone with someone who displays these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR. Use an AED as soon as it arrives.