Dial 9-1-1 Fast
Heart attack and
stroke are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts. If
you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call
9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or
stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get
help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit
from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in
years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart
attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving
lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively
quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So
again, don't delay -- get help right away!
Statistics
Coronary heart
disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading
cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to
reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how
to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Heart Attack Warning Signs:
Some heart
attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack,"
where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks
start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people
affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before
getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is
happening:
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. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort.
But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other signs:
These may 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 longer than a few minutes (no more
than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital
right away.
Calling 9-1-1 is
almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.
Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they
arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the
hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone
whose heart has stopped. You'll also get treated faster in the
hospital if you come by ambulance.
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.
Stroke Warning Signs:
The American
Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:
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
If you or some
with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay!
Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS)
number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can
be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the
first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate
action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a
clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most
common type of stroke.
Cardiac arrest
strikes immediately and without warning.
Here are the signs:
Sudden loss of
responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
No normal
breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you
check for several seconds.
No signs of
circulation. No movement or coughing.
If cardiac arrest
occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated
external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone trained to
use it is nearby, involve them.
*
The above information is from the American Heart Association.
The information provided here is for educational use only and it
is not Inner Image's intent to diagnose or treat any
condition. We recommend that you consult your physician if you
have any questions or concerns and to dial 9-1-1 in case of a
medical emergency.
