Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke

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.