How To Recognize If You're Having a Heart Attack
- December 18, 2007
- 320 Views
Contributor
Howcast Studios
Unfortunately there is no surefire way to determine whether someone is experiencing a heart attack, but there are some common warning signs to look for. If you think you recognize — or even just suspect — a heart attack, don’t wait around to find out whether
You Will Need
- A calm head
- A phone
Step 1: Chest pain
Check to see if you have uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of your chest that is lasting more than a few minutes at a time, especially during exercise, a stressful situation, cold weather, or a big meal.
Chest discomfort is the most common symptom for both men and women, but you can have a heart attack and never feel any pain in your chest.
Step 2: Pain spreading
Determine whether if you feel pain spreading (especially on the left side of your body) to the shoulders, arms, neck, back, jaw, or even teeth—all of which you might feel without experiencing any chest pain. The pain can also spread down to your abdomen.
The pain may be mild to intense and could feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or a heavy weight.
Step 3: Trouble breathing
Notice whether you’re having trouble taking deep breaths. This often happens before chest pain develops.
Step 4: Anxiety
Ask yourself if you are anxious or panicky—or feel like something terrible is going to happen—for no apparent reason.
Step 5: Cold sweats
Check to see if you’re breaking out in a cold sweat or if there’s a paleness or pallor to your skin.
Step 6: Lightheaded or dizzy
Consider whether you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Step 7: Nauseated
Check to see if you feel nauseated.
Step 8: Tired or weak
Determine whether you feel unusually tired or weak with no explanation.
Women tend to experience non-chest-pain-related symptoms more often than men, like fatigue, nausea, sweating, dizziness, and upper body pain.
Step 9: Irregular heart rate
Check to see if your heart rate is increased or irregular.
Step 10: Call 911
If you suspect that what you’re experiencing might be a heart attack, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
Of all fatal heart attacks, half of the victims die within an hour of their symptoms beginning.
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