CARDIAC SYMPTOMS

Each year, cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac arrest claim the lives of 325,000 Americans before they reach a hospital. Almost 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member, and yet the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims is only approximately 6.4 percent.

Knowing the symptoms of a possible heart attack and acting immediately by calling 911 can save up to an hour of critical transit and wait time, and that can equate to a lot more than just time savings.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - the "Hollywood movie-style heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with only mild pain or discomfort, so people affected sometimes aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.

Here are some common symptoms that can mean a heart attack is happening:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Anxiety or an unsettled feeling (sometimes described as ‘doom’)

Reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond if they occur. And, remember that not all of them happen in every heart attack or stroke. Some symptoms may go away and return, and there are a number of less common secondary symptoms that can be harder to define. - If you recognize even one or two of the signs we’ve listed, get help fast by calling 911!