signs of a heart attack:

Did you know . . .
. . . you can feel your pulse by placing two fingers at pulse points on your neck or wrists. The pulse you feel is blood stopping and starting as it moves through your arteries.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack*

Pain in the center of your chest that may last a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It may feel like a pressure, squeezing, fullness, heaviness or discomfort, or feeling as if a belt is being tightened around your chest.

One or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach (may feel like heart burn)

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, extreme weakness, anxiety, rapid or irregular heartbeats. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Heart attack is rarely seen as a dramatic, chest-clutching event as portrayed in TV and movies. Feeling of indigestion may signal a heart attack. Or arm pain. Or shortness of breath.

Heart attack is America's number 1 killer. Seconds count! If you aren't sure have it checked out. Fast action saves lives. Do not wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1. To prevent life-long damage to your heart muscle, do not delay seeking medical treatment.

Calling 911 is always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment when they reach you, and are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. The sooner the appropriate treatment can begin the lesser chances of permanent damage to your heart.

If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 before you begin CPR. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) if available as soon as it arrives.

          * According to the The American Heart Association.