HEALTH TIPS, TOOLS & TESTS

Cardiovascular

Heart Attack Warning Signs

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

These are some of the signs of a heart attack:

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, including pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath, accompanying chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.

Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait! Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

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