Authored by BlueAngel on
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs are some of the more important areas of educating ourselves in maintaining our health. We have much more self confidence if we have the basic knowledge of when to act to have the most success. Most of the information that follows has been found in different areas--American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, MEDLINE PLUS, WebMD and Health A-Z web sites as well as literature available from these entities. After Emergency care is done-- PLEASE ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER(S) FOR SPECIFIC TREATMENT, MEDICATIONS,& DIAGNOSIS.
Be Ready To Call 9 - 1 - 1 to notify EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Every second counts when you come upon someone who is in distress at home, work or social activities. You should be aware of Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest signs.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
1. Chest discomfort. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, heaviness (like a ton of bricks on the chest), fullness or pain.
2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body . Possibly including pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath Can either occur before or with chest discomfort
4. Other signs May include cold sweat, clammy feeling skin, bluish tinge to nail beds & skin, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Get to emergency care quickly if signs last longer than a few seconds.
Calling 911 is usually the quickest.
Cardiac Arrest ocurrs suddenly usually without warning.
The presenting signs are:
1. Sudden loss of consciousness. No reponse to gentle shaking.
2. No normal breathing--the person does not take a normal breath when checked for few seconds.
3. No signs of circulation (pulse), no movement, no coughing.
If Cardiac arrest occurs---- CALL 9 - 1 - 1 & begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defefrillator (AED) is available & someone trained to use it is nearby, involve them.
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