American Heart Association
Heart Attack, Stroke & Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Act in Time
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness
of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset
of heart attack symptoms. Find the links here.
Dial 9-1-1 Fast
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts.
If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all
these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and
return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims
can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years
past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes
in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these
drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms
first appear. So again, don't delay -- get help right away!
Statistics
Coronary heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading
cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk
factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly
if warning signs occur.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack,"
where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with
mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and
wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack
is happening:
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. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more
of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before
calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.
Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up
to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are
also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest
pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital,
too.
If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive
you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive
yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.
Stroke Warning Signs
The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:
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
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately
call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally
with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll
know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate
action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting
drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Here are the signs:
Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check
for several seconds.
No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.
If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated
external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone trained to use it is nearby,
involve them.
American Heart Association
Thanks to the American Heart Association. for the Information above.
For more Information please visit http://www.americanheart.org
