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Early Warning Of Heart Attack |
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A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not get the blood it needs for its nourishment. The heart depends on special blood vessels, called coronary arteries, to supply it with nutrition and oxygen. If these arteries become blocked, then the part of the heart that depends on them can become injured. Permanent injuries to the heart muscle can cause a heart attack.
A heart attack is the most common cause of death in the western world. Every minute of the day someone dies from a heart attack. Early treatment is crucial for heart attack victims. Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can save a life. Quick treatment with medications that break up blood clots can greatly improve a person's chance of surviving a heart attack. Since early treatment makes a difference, it's important to know the early signs of a heart attack. The most common sign is chest pain or chest discomfort. SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK: - an uncomfortable squeezing heaviness or pressure sensation in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- chest pain that also goes to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or elbows
- chest pain with sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or fainting
- new chest pain in a person who has already had a heart attack
- sudden beginning of confusion, dizziness, or extreme weakness
- pain or shortness of breath with indigestion or after a large meal
- chest pain with use of cocaine, methamphetamines, or other drugs
NOT ALL THESE WARNING SIGNS WILL OCCUR. IF ANY OF THESE SIGNS LAST MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION, BY CALLING 000. Sometimes a person having a heart attack, even if they have had one before, may not want to call for help. Since early treatment is so important, do not let this keep you from calling for medical help. Someone should stay with the heart attack victim until help arrives. This person should be ready to perform CPR if breathing and the heart stop. Article #6129 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
