The Importance of Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack

Mind is All

It is important to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack not only for your own health but because you can save someone else’s life. There is a window of opportunity that someone who suffers a heart attack has to minimize the damage to their system and have the best chances of having minimal damage.

People often only think of a heart attack in terms of what is portrayed on television. We commonly see chest gripping pain portrayed.  Actors show this happening suddenly, intensely, and clearly. Clearly if someone exhibits these symptoms you will need to contact 911 immediately. You need to be aware that not all heart attacks act this way.  What other symptoms can occur?

What happens if the person complains of pain that is coming and going? A heart attack can sometimes exhibit itself this way also. Chest pain may be focused in the center of the chest and become very intense followed by periods of feeling somewhat normal. The pain may be exhibited in other parts of the body such as the neck, arms, and jaw.  Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, and nausea. If the person is short of breath and is cold and clammy they may also be suffering from a heart attack.

So what should you do if you or someone you know begins showing some or all of these signs? First and foremost call 911 immediately. Find out what medications the person may be taking and write them down.  Ask if they are taking nitroglycerine. Providing an asprin can be helpful as it helps to thin the blood out. Asprin reaches the blood stream the fastest when it is chewed.

You may need to preform CPR if the person stops breathing. It is always good to know basic first aid and CPR just for this reason. Quick thinking and knowledge can save your or someone else’s life some day. Saving a life makes knowing the symptoms of a heart attack very important.  You never know when one may strike.