| Undoubtedly, we have all had a loved one suffer from | | | | 9. Heartburn |
| a heart attack. We might wonder whether they would | | | | The pain does not have to be very obvious to signal |
| have been saved a lot of the pain and suffering and | | | | an impending heart attack. Women are less likely than |
| repercussions of the attack, if they had only taken | | | | men to think that they are having a heart attack. |
| action as soon as they realized that something was | | | | Because of this, they are more likely to delay seeking |
| wrong. | | | | medical attention. Actually, women account for nearly |
| Perhaps they were not aware of the many | | | | half of all heart attack deaths. Although fatigue and |
| symptoms or signs of an impending heart attack. You | | | | nausea are universal signs, women tend to experience |
| can actually be a lifesaver....and in the process you | | | | these symptoms to a greater degree than men. |
| might even save your own life. | | | | Not only that, but there are three special warning signs |
| A heart attack can come on suddenly or appear as | | | | that relate to only women. They are: |
| heartburn-like symptoms. These can very easily be | | | | |
| ignored or mistaken for indigestion. It might surprise you | | | | 1. Pain high in the abdomen and chest, and possibly in |
| to know that up to 25% of heart attacks are actually | | | | the back, neck or jaw; |
| symptom free and you can have a silent heart attack | | | | 2. Light-headedness; |
| without knowing it. | | | | 3. Sudden weakness and body aches. |
| Even if a person has already had one heart attack, | | | | So what should you do if you think you or a loved one |
| they might not recognize the symptoms of the next | | | | is having a heart attack? You need to take immediate |
| one, because each attack can cause an entirely | | | | action by calling 911 without delay. Check the time so |
| different sensation. It is important to know that not all | | | | that you know when the first symptoms appeared. |
| the warning signs need to be present during any single | | | | Chew an aspirin and then wash it down with a glass |
| attack. | | | | of water, while you wait for help to arrive. By getting |
| These are nine very important signs to look for:- | | | | to the hospital in a timely fashion, this allows the doctor |
| | | | to administer medications and treatments that work |
| 1. Chest pain. A crushing, burning or squeezing | | | | best if given within the first hour after heart attack |
| sensation spreading or radiating through the upper | | | | symptoms first appear. |
| body to the neck, jaw or left arm; | | | | Keep a copy of this check list in a handy place, so that |
| 2. Shortness of breath; | | | | you can refer to it quickly if you have forgotten all the |
| 3. Palpitations; | | | | signs. Don't forget, you don't have to have all of them |
| 4. Fainting; | | | | to be suffering from a heart attack. Get to know your |
| 5. Fatigue; | | | | body well and then you can recognize when |
| 6. Sweating/cold sweats; | | | | something is just not quite right, enabling you to be in a |
| 7. Nausea/vomiting; | | | | position to take immediate action. |
| 8. Feeling of anxiety or panic; | | | | |