When Time Is Life
Getting to Hospital’s Emergency Room may be the key.
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 heat 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
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