Back in July I wrote about Costochondritis. The chest pain that some people have with Fibromyalgia that feels like you might be having a heart attack.  Thinking back, I thought I better give you some information on signs and symptoms of a real heart attack and stroke.  Just for your own information.  I live in Canada as some of you know so my information comes from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. However, at the bottom I have posted links to the American Heart and Strokes Foundations as well.

Knowing this information you just might save a Life!

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–HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS–

Thousands die from heart attacks every year because they don’t receive medical treatment quickly enough. Learn to recognize the signals of a heart attack so you can react quickly to save a life.

Pain

* Sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest

* Pain that may be in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back

* Pain that may feel like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pressure

* In women, pain may be more vague

* Chest pain or discomfort that is brought on with exertion and goes away with rest

Shortness of breath * Difficulty breathing

Nausea * Indigestion, * Vomiting

Sweating * Cool, clammy skin

Fear * Anxiety, * Denial

If you are experiencing any of these signals, you should:

* CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately, or have someone call for you. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone at all times.

* Stop all activity and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.

* If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.

* If you are experiencing chest pain, chew and swallow one adult 325 mg tablet or two 80 mg tablets of ASA(acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as Aspirin®). Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil®) do not work the same way as ASA (Aspirin) and therefore will not help in the emergency situation described above.

* Rest comfortably and wait for an ambulance with emergency medical personnel to arrive.

–STROKE WARNING SIGNS–

Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery. If a person is diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot, then doctors can administer a clot-busting drug available only at a hospital, and only within a few crucial hours after symptoms begin.* That’s why it is very important to be able to recognize the 5 warning signs of stroke and immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

–The Five Signs–

Stroke can be treated. That’s why it is so important to recognize and respond to the warning signs.

Weakness – Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.

Trouble speaking – Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.

Vision problems – Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.

Headache – Sudden severe and unusual headache.

Dizziness – Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

If you experience any of these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Here is a link to the Canadian Heart And Stroke Foundation’s PDF version of their brochure:

http://www.heartandstroke.com/atf/cf/%7B99452D8B-E7F1-4BD6-A57D-B136CE6C95BF%7D/HEART-ATTACK-CARDIAC-ARREST-STROKE-SIGNS-EN.PDF

the American Heart Association Heart Attack Site:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp”>

the American Stroke Association:

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/”>

QUICK ACTION SAVES LIVES

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Have a Great Day!!

Donna