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What Is A Heart Attack & Who Is At Risk?
A heart attack happens when blood ow to the heart suddenly becomes blocked and the heart can’t get oxygen. If not treated quickly, the heart muscle fails to pump and begins to die.
What Increases Your Risk? • Smoking
• Obesity or poor diet
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Family history of early
heart disease
You May Not Know:
• If you’ve already had a heart attack, your chances of having another heart attack are higher, also, your symptoms may be di erent this time.
• Women are more likely to have the “other” common signs of a heart
attack, including: shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, pain in the back, neck, stomach or jaw.
• Sometimes the signs of a heart attack may happen suddenly OR over hours, days or even weeks.
Minutes Matter! Don't ignore your symptoms!
Your chances of surviving a heart attack with the
LEAST amount of damage to your heart and brain are BETTER the SOONER you get help! Know the signs
and act quickly!
Common Signs Of Heart Attack For Both Men
& Women:
CHEST DISCOMFORT:
Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. THIS CAN FEEL LIKE PRESSURE, SQUEEZING OR FULLNESS.
DISCOMFORT IN OTHER PLACES: Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH:
Often goes along with chest discomfort. Can also occur BEFORE the chest discomfort.
OTHER SIGNS: Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
If you think you
are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1! Don’t try to drive yourself, EMTs are trained to treat you on the way to the hospital!
FOCUS ON HEALTH-HEART ATTACK!