Learning The Signs Of A Heart Attack

When a heart attack strikes, the quicker that a person is able to act, the better his or her chances for survival will be.  Determining whether or not you are actually having a heart attack is the first step towards taking appropriate action.  This is why learning the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can very literally save a life.

Some heart attacks occur quickly and suddenly. They are intense and painful and let the victim know in no uncertain terms that something is wrong.  However, not every heart attack will present in this way.  Sometimes heart attacks can take a longer time to reach their full onset, or can be mild so that you are unsure of what you are experiencing.  If you have chest discomfort that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that appears and disappears, you should be concerned.  Discomfort can appear as a tightness, squeezing, or fullness, as well as a sharp or intense pain. Most people know that pain can also appear in the arm, but pain that appears in the jaw, the neck, the back, or the stomach, in conjunction with chest discomfort, can also be signs of a heart attack in progress.  

People suffering from a heart attack may also experience shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, or cold sweats.  If you have any of these symptoms it is imperative that you call 9-1-1 immediately. Experts suggest that you not wait any longer than five minutes after the onset of the symptoms.  Even if you are unsure if what you are experiencing is a heart attack, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for an official diagnosis.