?Doctors mean well, they really do. But they’re often too busy to properly educate their patients, or even too busy to stay abreast of the latest medical advances in the field. But sadly, heart disease is STILL the #1 killer of Americans, responsible for nearly one-third of ALL deaths. It kills more men and women each year than all cancers combined, including breast cancer. And shockingly, most Americans over age 35 already suffer from heart disease, whether they know it or not. Yes, heart disease often starts early in life, and then slowly progresses until one day it manifests as a very serious problem, even a fatal one.
But here’s the good news . . . Heart disease is completely unnecessary because it can be: Prevented . . . Even reversed . . . The symptoms of heart attack may not be crystal clear. Angina: pain, discomfort, pressure or tightness in the middle of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and then comes back; sometimes mistaken for heartburn Pain or discomfort in upper body including arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Cold sweat or sweating Feeling of indigestion, choking or heartburn Nausea or vomiting Feeling dizzy, light-headed or extremely weak Feeling anxious Rapid or irregular heart beats But here are more signs of a heart attack Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Learn about the warning signs of heart attack in women. Call 911 – Not a friend Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment. When you call, emergency personnel may tell you to chew an aspirin to break up a possible blood clot, if there is not a medical reason for you to avoid aspirin. When emergency help arrives, they can promptly begin treatment, and they are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Also, you’re likelier to get treated faster at the hospital if you arrive by ambulance.
If you are having symptoms, do not drive yourself unless there is absolutely no other option Action Plan Ask your doctor whether you are at risk for a heart attack and what you can do to reduce your risk factors. Be sure to ask about aspirin and nitroglycerin. Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Learn what to do if you have symptoms: Call 911 after five minutes – do not call a friend or family member for help. Talk with your family members, friends and coworkers about the heart attack warning signs and the importance of acting quickly.
In conclusion Knowing the early warning signs of heart attack is critical for prompt recognition and treatment. Many heart attacks start slowly, unlike the dramatic portrayal often seen in the movies. A person experiencing a heart attack may not even be sure of what is happening. Heart attack symptoms vary among individuals, and even a person who has had a previous heart attack may have different symptoms in a subsequent heart attack. Although chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom of a heart attack, heart attack victims may experience.