Time is extremely critical when suffering a heart attack or stroke. Any or all of the following signs may occur during a heart attack or a stroke.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
● Chest pain, discomfort, pressure, or squeezing that lasts for several minutes and that may go away and return later.
● Pain or discomfort in the shoulders, neck, or arms or between the shoulder blades.
● Chest discomfort with shortness of breath, lightheadedness, cold sweats, nausea and/or vomiting, a feeling of indigestion, sudden fatigue or weakness, fainting, or sense of impending doom.
Warning Signs of Stroke
The acronym FAST is commonly used to help recognize and enhance responsiveness for a stroke victim.
● Facial drooping. Part of the face is dropping, weak, numb, or hard to move.
● Arm weakness. An inability to completely raise one arm.
● Speech difficulties. The inability to understand or repeat a simple sentence.
● Time. Time is of the essence when suffering a stroke.
● Other symptoms may include a sudden severe headache, confusion, dizziness, difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination, or sudden visual difficulty.
