Heart Attack and Stroke

Every second counts when you’re having a heart attack or stroke.  Take fast action by immediately calling 9-1-1. The sooner you receive emergency medical treatment, the greater your chances for survival. Today, clot-busting drugs and artery-opening medications that can stop a heart attack are most effective when given as soon as possible, ideally within one hour of the heart attack symptoms. 
 
Unfortunately, many people don’t know the warning signs of a heart attack. There’s a widespread misperception that a heart attack involves someone dramatically clutching his or her chest and falling to the ground. But the symptoms of a real heart attack are usually much more subtle. If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, take fast action.  You may save a life, maybe even your own.
 
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Provided by the American Heart Association
 
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.  
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.  
 
Stroke Warning Signs
Provided by the American Stroke Association
 
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body   
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding   
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes   
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination   
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause