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. Someone who has or is suffering a heart attack must get medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the damage done to their systems.

When people think about having a heart attack they imagine that it is like you see on TV. We commonly see chest gripping pain portrayed.  Actors show this happening suddenly, intensely, and clearly. If you see someone acting like this, your first instinct should be to call 911. You need to be aware that not all heart attacks act this way.  What other symptoms can occur?

What if the pain comes and goes? 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. It is also common for people to become cold and clammy when they are having heart problems.

Would you know what to do if someone had a heart attack? Calling 911 is paramount and must be done immediately. Ask if the person suffering from an attack is taking any medications such as nitroglycerine. If you have an asprin available you can provde it to them if they are not allergic. The person should chew it to help it absorb into their blood stream faster.

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. You could save the life of a stranger or a loved one by being able to stay calm and think quickly. Knowing the symptoms of heart issues is well worth knowing!