Heart Attack & Stroke

Heart Attack & Stroke

Recognize the Signs and Get Help Quickly

A heart attack or stroke is a medical emergency, and every second counts. The faster you or a loved one recognizes the symptoms and gets help, the better your chances of surviving, with the least amount of damage to your heart or brain. Once you’ve had an event, you’re at greater risk of having another in the future. But keep in mind that the symptoms of a second event can be different from what you experienced the first time. 

Heart Attack Warning Signs

The main symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. It can also feel like pressure, fullness or squeezing in your chest. These feelings may start gradually and get worse, or they may come and go. Women may also have unusual heartburn, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or they may feel tired or anxious weeks before.

Stroke Warning Signs

Think F.A.S.T. when it comes to recognizing a stroke:


Face Drooping: Does one side of your face droop or is it numb? Try to smile.


Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?


Speech Difficulty: Is your speech slurred? Are you unable to speak? Try to say a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.”


Time to Call 911: If you notice any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 right away.

Other sudden stroke symptoms can include:

  • numbness or weakness in your leg, face or arm
  • confusion or trouble understanding
  • trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination
  • severe headache with no known cause

 

If you think you or a loved one is having heart attack or stroke  symptoms, call for help immediately.

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