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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