Heart attack warning signs

Most of us do not want to think about it, but a heart attack can strike at any time. In addition, many people think that it is like in the “movies” that is comes suddenly and intense, where a person clutches his/her chest and falls over. However, the truth of the matter is that many times this is not the case. Many heart attacks start out slowly and can start in different parts of the body and the pain/feeling itself may even come and go. Moreover, the people whom have had a heart attack in the past might not recognize their having another one because the symptoms could be different from their first heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, a heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die.

This can lead to severe health problems such as: heart failure, arrhythmias that can also be life threatening and can also leave you paralyzed either in your body, face or in both.

Here are some symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort – this symptom may come and go and can feel like mild discomfort or feel like a lot of pressure and as if an elephant is sitting on their chest causing pure pain
• Heart palpitations – Irregular or racing heartbeats
• Fatigue – feeling of tiredness
• Arm discomfort – This may be in one or both arms
• Pain – It can happen in certain parts of the body like the jaw, tooth, neck, stomach or back pain
• Shortness of breath – You may notice it has become difficult to breath
• Sweat – You may breakout in a cold sweat due to how you are feeling (like your body is going into panic mode)
• Nausea – Feeling sick to your stomach
• Other possible symptoms – Vomiting, nausea, light-headedness or sudden dizziness

If you feel any of the following, you should call 911 immediately

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the arm, leg or face, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding and/or confusion
• Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Calling 9-1-1 is usually the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. You should not drive or let anyone else drive you to the hospital. You are losing life saving time that is very valuable. An ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can provide lifesaving service while on the way to the hospital. Heart attacks and strokes are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts, so get help fast.

There is some good news! While heart attacks do occur daily. It is very treatable.  Proper medication can help minimize the possibility of an attack. Take care of yourself and each other!