Ask Carol: What Are the Signs of a Heart Attack?
Ask Carol
Carol Hahn is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in various areas. She is also a yoga instructor, certified personal trainer and certified in Alzheimer's disease management. Carol will be answering your questions regarding all issues of health and wellness every week here at Ask Carol.
Q:
I heard on the radio that it’s Heart Awareness Month. My Mom had a heart attack last year, but she thought she just had the flu. What should I look for if she has another heart attack?
A:
Yes, every February is the American Heart Association’s Heart Awareness Month and they work at making us aware of the importance of cardiovascular health and the dangers of cardiovascular disease.
Someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds, because the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the heart become clogged or blocked. Many people experience one of these warning signs of a heart attack:
- Uncomfortable pressure, heaviness, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest.
- Upper body pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath that comes with or without chest discomfort.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, or lightheadedness.
Women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort, but like your mother, women are more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away.
Please check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions.
