How to Identify Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart attacks can come on sudden or they can build over a period, leaving you to believe you're feeling just a little off and nothing is wrong. But you might want to stop and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Over 1 million people suffer from heart attacks each year in the United States. While it is still the leading cause of death, most heart attacks can be treated successfully if caught within the first one to two hours of the onset of the heart attack symptoms. If you, or someone you're with, experience any of the heart attack signs listed below, especially in combination, call your emergency 9-1-1 medical services immediately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Are you experiencing chest discomfort? The distress might feel like a squeezing, fullness, intense pressure or pain in the center of your chest. This feeling could last for a few minutes or stop and start.

2. Do you feel discomfort in others areas of the upper body? Heart attacks can also cause discomfort or pain in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

3. Are you short of breath? Shortness of breath can occur before a heart attack or during the episode.

4. Are you experiencing any other unusual symptoms? Signs of a heart attack may also include cold sweats, nausea or dizziness.

5. The myth has been women are less susceptible to heart attacks than men are. That just isn't so. Women account for nearly half of all heart attacks. But women's heart attack symptoms don't always mirror men's. Women may experience chest pains, just as a men, but their major symptoms may be with shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Additionally, women may experience unusual weakness and fatigue. Moreover, these symptoms may start over a month before the actual heart attack.

Tips & Warnings

• This information was gathered from the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association. For more information, visit those sites or contact your doctor.

Resources

• eHow Health & Fitness Guide
• How to Build a Healthy Heart