Heart attack warning signs

Many Canadians die from heart attacks every year because they don't get medical treatment quickly enough. Learning to know when you are suffering a heart attack can save your life. Here is a list of some warning signs.

Pain

• Sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest
• Pain that may be in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back
• Pain that may feel like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pressure
• In women, pain may be more vague
• Chest pain or discomfort that is brought on with exertion and goes away with rest

Shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

Nausea

• Indigestion
  
• Vomiting

Sweating

• Cool, clammy skin

Fear

• Anxiety
  
• Denial

If you are experiencing any of these signals, you should:

• CALL 911 or your local emergency number immediately, or have someone call for you.
  
• 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 ASA tablet (acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as Aspirin) or two 80 mg tablets. Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) do not work the same way as ASA (Aspirin) and therefore will not help in the emergency situation described above.
  
• Rest comfortably and wait for an ambulance with emergency medical personnel to arrive.

Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation

For more heart-health information, please visit www.heartandstroke.mb.ca

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	About Wave Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books. Read the Summer 2010 issue of Wave