Knowing the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Pain – usually sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest
- it may be in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back
- it may feel like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness, heaviness or pressure
- in women, the discomfort may be more vague than this and women may also havem ore symptoms overall.
Shortness of Breath -without any other obvious reason
Nausea, indigestion or vomiting - without any other obvious reason
Sweating or cool, clammy skin without any other obvious reason
Feelings of fear and anxiety
Any of these signs may be mild or severe.
If you are having any of these signs, you should IMMEDIATELY:
- Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.
- If you take nitroglycerin, take your usual dose. Wait 5-10 minutes. If pain worse or no better, CALL 911 or your local emergency number for help, or have someone call for you.
- If you do not have a prescription for nitroglycerin, CALL 911 or your local emergency number for help, or have someone call for you.
- If you are having chest pain, squeezing or pressure, chew and swallow one (1) adult 325 mg aspirin tablet, or two (2) low-dose 80 mg tablets. Do not use pain medicine like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®).
- Rest and wait for the ambulance to arrive
- YOU MUST NOT DRIVE YOURSELF TO THE HOSPITAL