How to Recognize a Heart Attack

Heart attacks are not always sudden; there can be signs for days or weeks that indicate trouble. Everyone over 40 should know the warning signs of a heart attack. Seeking medical help early dramatically increases your chances of surviving an attack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Heed the first warning signs of discomfort or pain in the chest. This is "the holy grail of symptoms." It might feel as if an elephant is sitting on your chest, or possibly a squeezing or fullness in the center of the chest.
2. Remember that pain in other parts of the upper body may signal a heart attack. This might include the arms (particularly the left arm), jaw, back, shoulders, neck or stomach. It may feel less like pain and more like discomfort.
3. Recognize that being short of breath after physical activity is normal, but if shortness of breath occurs after walking a block or two, climbing a flight of stairs or even lying in bed, see your doctor immediately. This symptom might present before you feel any chest pain.
4. Watch out for nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats. Feelings of anxiety or nervousness may accompany these symptoms.
5. Take note of any increased heart rate. That, coupled with any of the symptoms described above, may indicate an impending heart attack. Some heart attack sufferers even experience feelings of impending doom.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with your doctor about your risk for a heart attack and what you can do to prevent one.
• Get regular physical examinations and cardiac stress tests to detect any problems before they turn serious.
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity can increase your heart attack risk.