Warning Signs of Heart Attack
Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack now will help you act more quickly in an emergency. If you experience these common symptoms of heart attack, call 911:
- Chest tightness and/or discomfort
- Discomfort in the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness
Utilizing 911 is especially important for a heart attack because emergency medical services (EMS) can begin administering treatment immediately upon arrival. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Heart attack prevention is of equal importance to understanding the symptoms of a heart attack. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity all contribute to a risk of heart attack. Fortunately, many of these risks can be decreased by making different choices. Talk to your doctor about reducing, managing, or preventing heart attack risk factors.