DECATUR — every year, more than 1 million people in the UnitedStates have heart attacks, according to information from theNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Almost half of themdie.
Getting help fast is important in improving the chances forsurvival, the institute advised. of those who die from heartattacks, about half die within an hour of the onset of theirsymptoms and before they make it to a hospital.
According to the American Heart Association, most heart attacksstart slowly with mild pain and discomfort, and it’s notimmediately evident what’s going on. Knowing all potential symptomscan be important in getting help in time.
Chest discomfort usually occurs in the center of the chest andmight feel like intense pressure, squeezing, pain or fullness. Itusually lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back,the association advised.
“A person having a heart attack will tell you it is the worstpain they have ever experienced,” Decatur cardiothoracic surgeonDr. Marvin Derrick wrote in an e-mail.
According to the association, pain also can manifest in one orboth arms, the jaw, neck, back or stomach. Shortness of breath alsocan occur independently or along with chest discomfort. Other signscan include lightheadedness, nausea or breaking out in a coldsweat.
The most common heart attack symptom among women is chest painor discomfort, the association explained, but women also are morelikely to experience some of the other symptoms such as jaw andback pain, nausea and vomiting and shortness of breath.
Don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help, theassociation advised. Call an ambulance immediately.
“Do not take them yourself to the hospital,” wrote Derrick.“Emergency medical personnel can begin instituting treatment at thescene. Remember time is heart muscle. At the hospital, doctors canoften open the occluded vessel within minutes and save a patient’slife.”