Webinar Series

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

2022

10 min read

HGF Nursing Team

Every 40 seconds, a person in the US has a heart attack. Most people will survive if they get help in time. Learn the warning signs and what to do.

Key Statistic: The average age for a heart attack is 45 for men and 55 for women. Minorities are at greater risk: 1 in 4 African Americans, 1 in 6 Native Americans, and 1 in 5 Latinx Americans.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest
• Feelings that last longer than a few minutes or go away and come back
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest pain
• Cold sweat, nausea, and light-headedness

Heart Attack Signs in Women

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea / vomiting
• Pressure in lower chest / upper abdomen
• Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Extreme fatigue

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest

• Heart attack: A circulation problem, blood flow to the heart is blocked
• Cardiac arrest: An electrical problem, the heart suddenly stops beating
• A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest

What to Do in an Emergency

Call 9-1-1 immediately. If the person is not breathing and you know CPR: push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Stay on the call until the dispatcher says it's OK to hang up.

The Simple 7 to Reduce Your Risk

1. Get active
2. Eat better, choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and salt
3. Lose weight and keep it under control
4. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
5. Control cholesterol
6. Control blood pressure
7. Reduce blood sugar