Would you recognize a sign of a heart attack?

Common warning sign of a heart attack includes:

Discomfort, pressure, squeezing or pain in the middle of the chest that lasts longer than a few minutes. It may come and go

Pain that radiates into the neck, shoulders or arms.

Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, sweating or difficulty breathing

This is a list of the most common signs of a heart attack. However, many heart attacks are accompanied by different symptoms. These are not the only possible signs of a heart attack.

How can you be prepared to help someone showing a sign a of heart attack?

Prepare ahead of time:

Locate nearby hospitals with 24-hour cardiac care

Have a list of emergency numbers by the phone, and in your purse or wallet

If you or someone near you is having chest discomfort, call an ambulance, or have someone drive you to the emergency room. Someone having chest pain should not drive themselves to the hospital

Get trained to administer CPR if needed

If you notice someone having difficulty who may be having a heart attack, you must act quickly.

Expect the person to deny the possibility of a heart attack.

Insist on prompt action - just a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death, or a severe disability.

Call an ambulance or get the person to the nearest hospital immediately.

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