Female: When someone has a heart attack, they need to receive medical attention as soon as possible. How can you tell if you are experiencing a heart attack and how should you respond?
Male: It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between the symptoms of a heart attack and more common occurrences like chest pain or severe heartburn. Fortunately there are some simple ways to help to tell the difference.
While all three conditions are characterized by intense pain in and around the chest, there are several distinctive symptoms associated with a heart attack. Often people suffering from a heart attack describe the pain they feel as radiating out word and leading to intense pain in the back throat or jaw.
There can also be pain running down the left arm. Many heart attack sufferers also feel weakness and a distinct shortness of breath because the heart is no longer effectively circulating blood. Nausea, vomiting a feeling of dizziness and profuse sweating are also common symptoms of a heart attack.
All of these symptoms can be better understood in the context of what happens during a heart attack. The heart itself is a muscle, and its job is to circulate blood throughout the body. Oxygen reach blood comes into the heart through three passages known as the coronary arteries.
Heart attacks occurs when the fatty deposes or plaque rapture and cause a clot to form in the artery blocking the flow of blood in the heart. Without this oxygen rich blood, the heart muscle begins to die which is the source of the pain during the heart attack. Given this it is not surprising that one of the other common symptoms of heart attack is a rapid or irregular heart beat.
The right response to a heart attack is simple, first call 911 immediately and ask for emergency help. Second while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, take one regular strength aspirin tablet. This will prevent blood clotting that can worsen a heart attack. Being able to quickly recognize a heart attack will help you to respond fast.
And the sooner you get proper treatment the better your chances are of avoiding permanent damage to the heart. Remember, heart diseases both complex and serious and you should always consult a physician if you have any concerns.
Female: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
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