Heart Attack Warning Signs
Though many people in Santa Rosa County may not realize it, heart attacks oftentimes do not occur as suddenly and dramatically as they're depicted in movies. In reality, there are often smaller, more subtle warning signs leading up to sudden cardiac arrest.
The American Heart Association reports more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year – a fact that suggests many people may not act soon enough on the early warning signs of a heart attack. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack could save your life or the life of a loved one. When it comes to your heart, every second matters.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any sign or symptom of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Common Heart Attack Symptoms
Please note that many heart attack experiences are different. For instance, many people experience extreme chest pain while others experience no chest pain at all.
- Chest discomfort or chest pain – You may experience uncomfortable pressure or heaviness in the chest in the initial stages of a heart attack. There may be a tight ache or a squeezing sensation. The discomfort may come and go.
- Stomach or abdomenal pain – A heartburn-like feeling may manifest in your upper abdomen when you are experiencing a heart attack.
- Anxiety – It is common for people to experience an overwhelming sense of panic or fear for no apparent reason.
- Cold sweat – You may experience a sudden sweat with cold, clammy skin.
- Back, neck or jaw pain – Tightness or pain can be experienced in these areas while having a heart attack.
- Discomfort In one or both arms – Pain/discomfort can extend to arms. It is not uncommon for pain to be experienced on just one side of the body.
- Nausea or vomiting – You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Extreme weakness/fatigue – You may have sudden fatigue or weakness; this may persist for several days.
- Shortness of breath – You may feel the need to gasp for air, or it may feel like a struggle to get a deep breath.
- Irregular heartbeat – You may experience your heart beating irregularly or feel as though your heart is "skipping a beat." Or, you may be extremely aware of your heartbeat.
Please remember, a heart attack is not always a sudden and intense experience as seen in movies or television shows. Warning signs should be taken seriously and immediate help should be sought.
How to Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack
The cardiac team at Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton, FL, takes heart attack prevention very seriously. There are many ways to prevent heart disease through adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can avoid heart problems:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet by avoiding excess sugars, fast food and fatty foods. Include many fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and whole grains in your diet.
- Get moving! Studies show that exercising about 30 minutes on most days of the week is helpful in preventing heart disease and other serious conditions.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Manage your stress in healthy ways, such as exercising or journaling.
- Get regular check-ups with your doctor.
Hands-only CPR: Two Steps to Staying Alive
The following information is provided by the American Heart Association
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an "out-of-hospital" setting (such as at home, at work, or in a park). It consists of two easy steps:
- Call 911 (or send someone to do that)
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency. They will also ask for details such as your location. It is important to be specific, especially if you are calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember that answering the dispatcher's questions will not delay the arrival of help.
Find a Cardiologist Near You In Milton, FL
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Click here to take an online heart risk assessment to determine if you are at risk for a heart attack.