Warning Signs

If you or someone else is experiencing these warning signs of heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 right away.

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS

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 with or without chest discomfort.
Other Signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.:

- Face Drooping - does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

- Arm Weakness - is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

- Speech Difficulty -  is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
- Time to call 9-1-1 - if the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

CARDIAC ARREST WARNING SIGNS

SUDDEN LOSS OF RESPONSIVENESS
No response to tapping on shoulders.
No normal breathing.

If these signs are present dial 9-1-1

Dial 9-1-1 Fast Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay — get help right away! Source: American Heart Association Learning the skills necessary to save a life in situations like these are invaluable.  Healthpro offers affordable and convenient classes - sign up today at hpec.org or call 951-279-6110.