Heart Attack Symptoms, Dial 911

Each year, roughly 790,000 Americans have a heart attack which means every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. Though sometimes a heart attack occurs without detection, it is often accompanied by several obvious signs.

Immediately dial 911 if you suffer from the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach

• Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats

• Shortness of breath

Do not hesitate to dial 911 if these symptoms occur. The longer you wait for emergency services, more damage will occur to the heart muscle. In some cases, a heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest.

During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. If this occurs, immediately call 911 and begin CPR. Place your hands, one on top of the other, in the middle of the chest. Then, push hard and push fast. It is recommended to do at least 100 compressions per minute, at least 2 inches deep. Continue to push hard and fast until EMS arrives. If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, place the pads on the person's chest and listen to the directions from the machine. A person who receives bystander CPR immediately after cardiac arrest is twice as likely to survive.

Danville Life Saving Crew is always on standby for when an emergency occurs. If you fear a heart attack is happening, immediately dial 911 and let the dispatcher guide you through steps to take before EMS arrives.