FEBRUARY 19: KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
29 Days to a Healthier Heart
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply feeding the heart is slowed or stopped. This can occur because of a blockage, when a buildup of plaque causes narrowing of the blood vessels feeding the heart (coronary arteries) as occurs with atherosclerosis. More than 90% of heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis. Blood supply to the heart muscle may also be effected when a coronary artery temporarily spasms or contracts. The amount of damage to the heart depends on the length of time the blood supply has been occluded.
Heart attacks aren’t always fatal. Learn the signs of a heart attack so you can react quickly to help save someone’s life!
| • Chest discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain, burning or heaviness) | |
| • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back). | |
| • Shortness of breath | |
| • Sweating | |
| • Nausea | |
| • Light-headedness |
Jaw pain is more often noted in women having a heart attack, while men more frequently report pain down the left arm. No signs or symptoms are unanimous however! Any combination of these symptoms could mean this person is experiencing angina (non-fatal chest pain) or having a heart attack.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, you should:
- CALL 9-1-1
- Stop all activity and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.
- If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.
- If you are experiencing chest pain, chew and swallow one adult 325 mg tablet or two 80 mg tablets of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), commonly referred to as Aspirin®. Other pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil will NOT work in the same way!
- Rest comfortably and wait for an ambulance or emergency medical personnel to arrive.
Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
-Katie Weststrate, RHN, RYT, MScCH, ND