heart disease

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a "movie" heart attack, where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over. The truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. Someone who feels such a warning sign may not be sure what is wrong. The discomfort --and other symptoms -- may even come and go.

Learn the Signs

Chest discomfort
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort 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, or in the back, neck, or jaw.
Shortness of breath
This symptom often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other signs
These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, weakness, dizziness, or light-headedness.

Effective Treatments
Clot-busting drugs and other artery-opening treatments can stop a heart attack in its tracks. Given immediately after symptoms begin, these treatments can prevent or limit damage to the heart. To be most effective, these treatments need to be given within 1 hour of the start of heart attack symptoms.

Fast Action Saves Lives
If you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Don't wait for more than a few minutes-5 minutes at most-to call 9-1-1. If you are having symptoms and cannot call 9-1-1, have someone else drive you to the hospital right away. Never drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other choice.

For more information
For more information call 301-592-8573 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., EST, M-F).

March 2001

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