The thought of you or a loved one suffering a heart attack can be too scary to think about. But it’s an all to real possibility, especially for older men and women. You can reduce the risk of a heart attack with good eating habits and regular exercise, but even the healthiest person can suffer an unexpected heart attack. Getting treatment quickly is important for surviving a heart attack and that’s why it’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack. Luckily, BSA CareXpress Urgent care is here to explain some of the most common signs. Most heart attacks don’t start suddenly, but have a gradual build up. If you see these warning signs, get help immediately.
Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks will have some kind of chest discomfort. It usually appears as pressure or discomfort. It can lasts for several minutes or come and go with time.
Shortness of Breath: If you're having a hard time catching your breath, it can also be a symptom of an oncoming heart attack. Should you find yourself having shortness of breath combined with any of these other symptoms seek help immediately.
Discomfort in the upper body: In addition to the chest, it’s common to have pain in other areas of the upper body like the arms, back, neck and shoulders.
Other Signs: Other signs can include breaking out in a cold sweat, feelings of nausea, and feeling lightheaded.
Should you experience any of these symptoms, even if you think it’s not a heart attack, have it checked anyway. Minutes matter when it comes to heart attacks. 911 will almost always be the quickest way to get to an emergency center from wherever you are.