How to Recognize the Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart attacks are a serious medical emergency that can cause permanent damage or even death if not treated quickly. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack is critical in order to get the patient to the hospital as soon as possible. Knowing what to look for can help you save someone’s life.

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of your chest. This pain may last for more than a few minutes and may come and go. It may also spread to other parts of your body such as your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Other symptoms include shortness of breath that occurs with or without chest pain; nausea; lightheadedness; cold sweat; fatigue; and an irregular heartbeat (palpitations). Men are more likely to experience chest pain while women are more likely to experience shortness of breath and nausea.

If you suspect that someone is having a heart attack seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going directly to an emergency room. It is important not to wait for all symptoms to appear before seeking help because every minute counts when it comes to treating a heart attack.

If you think you might be having a heart attack take note of any symptoms that you have experienced so that you can tell them accurately when speaking with medical personnel on the phone or at the hospital. While these signs do not always mean it is a heart attack they should be taken seriously and checked out right away in order for doctors to determine if treatment is needed immediately.

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Tags:

Heart attack, medical emergency, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweat, fatigue, irregular heartbeat (palpitations), 911, emergency room.,

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