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Letter from 
Heart Attack Warning Signs
The best chance for survival of a heart attack or cardiac arrest is to act fast when symptoms arise. The most important thing to do is to call 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of symptoms - every second counts.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, like the ones on TV and movies, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. In many cases, the victims aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
The most common symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, but women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the other symptoms listed above.
If you or someone you're with is experiencing chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the symptoms listed, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1. The best way to receive lifesaving treatment is to call EMS - they can begin treatment as soon as they arrive. If you try to drive to the emergency room, you could lose valuable time - up to an hour.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly and without warning. The signs of cardiac arrest are:
If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED), such as the Heart Start is available, begin using that.
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Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, like the ones on TV and movies, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. In many cases, the victims aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
| • Chest discomfort – most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath – may or may not occur with chest discomfort. • Other signs – these may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. |
The most common symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, but women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the other symptoms listed above.
If you or someone you're with is experiencing chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the symptoms listed, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1. The best way to receive lifesaving treatment is to call EMS - they can begin treatment as soon as they arrive. If you try to drive to the emergency room, you could lose valuable time - up to an hour.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly and without warning. The signs of cardiac arrest are:
| • Sudden loss of responsiveness – no response to gentle shaking. • No normal breathing – the victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds. • No signs of circulation – no movement or coughing. |
If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED), such as the Heart Start is available, begin using that.