Are You Having a Heart Attack??
IF YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN
- SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE SEVERE CHEST PAIN.
- DIAL 911. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.
- DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF TO THE HOSPITAL.
- REMEMBER: TIME=LIFE
DO NOT DELAY SEEKING TREATMENT. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.
SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK: Everyone can experience the symptoms of a heart attack in a different manner. Here are some more common signs that should make you seek medical attention immediately:
- Chest paint, usually mid-chest, could be experienced or described as pain, discomfort, heaviness, pressure or tightness.
- Radiation of pain into the neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States.
- Recent advances in the prevention and treatment of heart attacks have greatly reduced the consequences of this disease.
- The highest risk of DEATH occurs during the first two hours after the onset of symptoms.
The quicker you seek treatment following symptoms, the better the outcome!
PREVENTION:
Prevention includes acknowledging your risk factors, and taking steps to eliminate or minimize them if at all possible.
Here are some of the risk factors:
- High cholesterol levels increase the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, and take measures to lower your cholesterol levels. Changes in diet and regular exercise will aid in the lowering of cholesterol. You may be a candidate for cholesterol reduction medication. Ask your doctor or cardiologist.
- High blood pressure increases the risk of both CAD and stroke. High blood pressure can also be controlled by diet, regular exercise and a possible medication regimen. Have your blood pressure checked regularly and talk to your doctor on a regular basis concerning recent advances in treatment of blood pressure.
- Diabetes can also put you at risk for premature development of CAD. Regular check-ups will alert you to any other risk factors.
- Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of developing CAD. Within three years of quitting smoking, the risk of CAD returns to the level of a non-smoker. See your doctor for the latest treatments and support systems to help you quit smoking.
- Estrogen replacement may reduce the risk of CAD in postmenopausal women.
- Excessive body weight and/or sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing CAD. Maintaining your weight at a healthy level and regular activity will help reduce your risk.
