Early Heart Attack Care
- Angina is not a heart attack, but if the angina pain is severe or prolonged, it can lead to a heart attack.
- Many heart attacks start slowly.
- Early signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as mild chest pain or discomfort.
- The chest pain or discomfort may come and go.
- Pain may be confused with indigestion or heartburn.
- Severe pain in center of chest or throat that can be described as crushing, squeezing or heavy.
- Worst pain ever experienced.
- The pain can move into one or both arms, the left shoulder, neck, jaw or back.
Other symptoms of early heart attack include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cold sweat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Light-headedness
- Severe anxiety
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeats
Take the EHAC Oath and become an ambassador for early heart attack care!
Is pain the first sign of heart attack?
For most people having a heart attack, pain is considered an early symptom that can range in severity. However, not all individuals suffering from a heart attack have pain. Up to 20% do not feel pain with heart attack and those usually include:
- Women
- People with diabetes
- Older people
The signs of early heart attack can occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. DO NOT WAIT; call 9-1-1 for help with any of the above signs of early heart attack.
SOURCES:
http://deputyheartattack.org/intro.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/heart_attack__symptoms_and_early_warning_signs/views.htm