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Saving A Life…Heart Attack
& Stroke—Do You Know The Symptoms & What to Do?
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United
States, resulting in nearly 700,000 deaths each year (roughly the
population of San Francisco). In the United States, six times as
many women die of heart disease than die of breast cancer. Strokes
are the number three cause of death, after heart disease and cancer.
While heart attack and stroke can be deadly, immediate treatment
significantly increases the chance of survival and decreases the
likelihood of severe long-term effects. It is important to recognize
the possible symptoms of each of these serious, usually sudden-onset
conditions.
Important Note: ALWAYS call
9-1-1 if you suspect someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.
Do not attempt to take the person to the hospital unless there is
absolutely no other alternative. Calling 9-1-1 is the fastest way to
get lifesaving treatment. Ambulance staff can begin treatment
immediately and can continue treatment while en route to the
hospital. They are also trained to revive someone whose heart has
stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually
receive faster treatment at the hospital too.
Adults and teen-aged children family should have CPR training and
may also consider training in the use of automated external
defibrillators (AED). Contact the
American Red
Cross or the
American
Heart Association for more information.
The American Heart Association provides the following
information.
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. May occur with or without chest
discomfort.
- Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold
sweat, nausea and/or lightheadedness
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest
pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to
experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness
of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially
with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than five
minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1. NEVER drive the
person/yourself to the hospital unless there is absolutely no other
option.
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 that person.
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
The
American Stroke Association also says, Call 9-1-1 immediately
if you experience symptoms! Time lost is brain lost!
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.
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