Don’t Skip a Beat Prepare for Heart Attacks

Recognize the signs. Heart attacks look and feel different in women than they do in men. Both men and women may feel chest pain when having a heart attack, but women are more likely to also experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back, neck, or jaw.

Heart attack symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort, usually in the center or left side 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.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, faint, or a cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath.

Be safe, not sorry. Many heart attacks start slowly with relatively mild pain. Make an agreement with loved ones that you will call 911 as soon as anyone experiences any of the signs of a heart attack.

Keep a record of what medicines your loved ones are taking, what medicines they’re allergic to, and who they want contacted in case of an emergency.

Being prepared now may just save a life later.

Source: cdc.gov