Do you know the signs of a heart attack?

We’re going to keep this post short and sweet, not because the subject isn’t important, but because the subject is really important.

Do you know the signs of a heart attack?  Recognizing the danger and acting quickly to get help is the biggest factor in saving someone’s life in a heart-attack situation.

Here are the signs, courtesy of the American Heart Association.

Chest Discomfort

Think pressure, squeezing, a sensation of swelling, or just intense pain.  This might be constant or it might come and go over a period of time.

Discomfort Elsewhere

In addition to chest pain, a heart attack can trigger pain in the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach.

Shortness of Breath

This is a big one.  As chest pain worsens, the victim may have difficulty breathing, ranging from mild to more extreme.

Other (less obvious) Symptoms

Along with the signs above, a person having a heart attack might become nauseous, lightheaded, or break out in a cold sweat.

The bottom line is that recognizing these symptoms as serious and getting medical help on the way as soon as possible can literally be the difference between life and death.  For more on heart attacks, check out the AMA’s Heart Attack Website, which has tons of great information about prevention, treatment, recovery, and more.