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Spotting a Heart Attack or Stroke!

Posted on May 9, 2011

Heart attacks and strokes are life-or-death emergencies - every second counts!
Below are some signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes.   Remember - not all of these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. 
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke call 911 immediately. 

 

#c1ccd9; padding-right: 2.9pt; border-top: #cc0000 1pt solid; padding-left: 2.9pt; padding-bottom: 2.9pt; border-left: #cc0000 1pt solid; width: 247.5pt; padding-top: 2.9pt; border-bottom: #cc0000 1pt solid; height: 27.4pt; background-color: transparent" width="330">
#cc0000">HEART ATTACK
 #cc0000 1pt solid; padding-right: 2.9pt; border-top: #cc0000 1pt solid; padding-left: 2.9pt; padding-bottom: 2.9pt; border-left: #c1ccd9; width: 247.5pt; padding-top: 2.9pt; border-bottom: #cc0000 1pt solid; height: 27.4pt; background-color: transparent" width="330">
#cc0000">STROKE
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· Chest discomfort
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain; lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns.
 
· Discomfort in other areas
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
 
· Shortness of breath
With or without chest discomfort
 
· Other signs
Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
 
· Women are more likely then men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
 
#cc0000; letter-spacing: 0.4pt">Minutes Matter! Dial 911.
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Think F-A-S-T!
 
· Face—Look for facial weakness; ask them to smile.
 
· Arms—Look for weakness in one arm; ask them to raise their arms.
 
· Speech—Listen for slurred or difficult speech; ask them to say something.
 
· Time—Call 911 immediately.
 
#cc0000; letter-spacing: 0.4pt">Even if you have only one symptom or your symptom(s) go away, call 911 and go to the Emergency Department!

 

 

Some ways to reduce your risks for heart attacks and strokes include:

  1. Eating a healthy diet.
  2. Daily exercise
  3. Quitting smoking & limiting daily alcoholic consumption.

For more information, call 828-659-5000 today.

Category: 
McDowell Hospital