No doubt you’ve seen this scene many times in the movies or on television: an individual is out having fun and suddenly raises a hand to the chest. The fear and pain are visible on the person’s wincing face. Friends of loved ones come running over, and the individual falls to the ground.
It is crystal clear that the person has experienced some kind of cardiac event. Someone quickly calls for an ambulance and the victim gets emergency care.
But what if the signs are NOT so clear? What if that scene plays out differently?
Sometimes the red flags of heart attack - and stroke - are so minor that the person brushes off symptoms and continues on with life - only to find out later that a serious health situation was taking shape.
This is why our team at NDP EMS wants to remind you of the warning signs of such events, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention - even if symptoms could represent something less serious. It NEVER hurts to get checked out - and it could absolutely save a life.
Here’s what you should look for:
Heart Attack
Chest pain or discomfort
Soreness, pain, or discomfort in the arms, back, or neck
Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting
Shortness of breath
Sudden cold sweat
In women specifically, heart attacks can manifest with a sense of fullness or pressure in the chest, but that can also be experienced in the back
Stroke
Drooping of one side of the face
Numbness or weakness on one or both sides of the body
Difficulty speaking; slurred speech
Sudden headache
Confusion
Trouble with balance and coordination
Vision problems
If you think that you or your loved one is experiencing heart attack or stroke, remember that EVERY SECOND COUNTS. Some of these events can be catastrophic if not attended to quickly.
Do NOT delay or second-guess your instinct to call emergency medical services. Dial 911 immediately and seek help.
In the meantime, be sure to register for a CPR class at NDP EMS. It only takes a few hours to acquire the lifesaving skills needed for a cardiac emergency that could one day occur in your presence.
Call today to sign up: 845.876.0448 X136.