Know the Signs of a Heart Attack and What To Do

Did you know the average age of a first heart attack is 65 for men and 72 for women? Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women?

Heart attacks are more common than you might think

It is important to be prepared and act quickly if you suspect you or someone else is having one. Fast action can save a life.

Signs of a possible heart attack include:

  • Pressure or tightness in the chest or arms. This tightness also can spread to the neck, jaw, and back.
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweats, or dizziness.
  • Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, and abdominal pain.

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately

An ambulance can bring aid and transport a person to the hospital far more quickly than if you drive yourself.

One of the gravest mistakes when it comes to heart attacks is people not seeking treatment because they doubt they are having a heart attack. Don’t take a chance and don’t wait. Your life—or the life of someone you know—could be at stake.


Sources:

Heart.org. “Warning Signs of a Heart Attack.", https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack. Accessed 27 Dec. 2019.

“Heartburn or Heart Attack: When to Worry.” Mayo Clinic, 7 June 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/in-depth/heartburn-gerd/art-20046483.

“Older Americans & Cardiovascular Diseases.” Heart.org, www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319574.pdf. Accessed 27 Dec. 2019.



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Updated January 1, 2025

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