|
|
|
|
|
Home
> Health Information
> All Categories >
Is it a Heart Attack?
Is it a Heart Attack?
By: http://agenet.agenet.com/
As reported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institue, many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a "movie" heart attack, where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over. The truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. Someone who feels such a warning sign may not be sure what is wrong. The discomfort - and other symptoms - may even come and go.
Learn the Signs
- Chest discomfort
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that last for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort 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, or in the back, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath
This symptom often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before the chest discomfort.
- Other signs
These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, weakness, dizziness, or light-headedness.
Effective Treatments
Clot-busting drugs and other artery-opening treatments can stop a heart attack in its tracks. Given immediately after symptoms begin, these treatments can prevent or limit damage to the heart. To be most effective, these treatments need to be given within 1 hour of the start of the heart attack symptoms.
Fast Action Saves Lives
If you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs of a heart attack, call 911 right away. Don't wait for more than a few minutes (5 minutes at the most to call 911). If you are having symptoms and cannot call 911, have someone else drive you to the hospital right away. Never drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other choice.
For More Information The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has an online catalog of information for health professionals and consumers on how to prevent and manage coronary heart disease. Much of it is downloadable free of charge, or available in printed form for a reasonable cost.
http://agenet.agenet.com/
http://agenet.agenet.com/
|
* All material provided
in the UMC website, or it's related web pages, is provided
for educational purposes only. Consult your own physician,
or visit a UMC Primary Care, regarding the applicability
of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your
symptoms or medical condition. If your situation is an emergency
call 9-1-1.
|
|
