What to do if someone experiences a heart attack and how to recognize signs and symptoms.
Being able to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack may make the difference between life and death. Responding immediately will significantly improve survival and recovery of heart attack victims. This February, let us learn how we can reduce our risk of a heart attack and stay heart safe.
Common Signs of a Heart Attack
- A range of chest pain or discomfort that can be described as a mild pressure up to a crushing or squeezing pain
- Pain or discomfort that may move to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea with or without vomiting
- Any or all of the above signs and symptoms may occur, and may vary from person to person and between men, women, and elderly
Risk Factors for Heart Attack
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age and/or Gender
- Family history
What To Do When Seconds Count
- Call 911 immediately. Early treatment can significantly reduce heart damage and make the difference between life and death.
- Treatment starts the moment EMS arrives. Paramedics can provide oxygen, start an IV, and perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Paramedics can also administer important medications in the early minutes of a heart attack to lessen heart damage.
- During transport, EMS will share information with the hospital so that definitive treatment can begin immediately upon arrival.
- Take a CPR/AED course. Training is widely available from many reputable organizations and schools. Learning CPR/AED is easy and could make a significant difference in the outcome of someone experiencing a heart attack.
If you’d like to learn more about careers in healthcare and course offerings, contact Altamont Healthcare in Stockton and Bakersfield, CA.
We offer certification programs in CPR and Basic Life Support, Electrocardiogram Technology (EKG), Endoscopy Reprocessing Technician (ERT), Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD), and Surgical Technology.
Call us at (209) 817-8035 (Stockton) or (661) 230-6316 (Bakersfield) to ask about our programs. Tuition discounts are available for certain payment options. Customized payment schedules are available upon request.
