Certain Symptoms Signal "Red Flag" for Heart Attack and Stroke

Severe heartburn, shortness of breath and pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms are just a few symptoms you shouldn't ignore because they could mean a real medical emergency - heart attack. Sudden weakness of the face arm or leg, especially on one side; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and dizziness or confusion are just a few symptoms of a stroke.

The American Heart Association is urging anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms to pay attention to these "red flags" and call 9-1-1 immediately. Tragically, every 29 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one. Additionally, every 53 seconds someone will suffer from a stroke, and every 3.3 minutes someone will die from one. This educational campaign is also a part of the association's aggressive goal - to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by the year 2008.

"When a heart attack strikes, there's no time to delay," says Dr. Christie Ballantyne, president of the American Heart Association's Houston Division. "Heart attack victims have a much better chance for survival if they recognize the early warning signs of an attack and get medical care at once."

"Almost 85 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease (CHD) are age 65 or older," says Dr. Ballantyne, "but it's also frightening to know that in cases of those under the age of 65 with CHD, 80 percent die from the first attack. This is why it is so critical to be aware of the symptoms and call 9-1-1."

The warning signs of a heart attack are: uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, pain that may spread to the shoulders, neck or arms; and chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Women might experience less common warning signs such as unusually severe stomach pain, unexplained anxiety or fatigue and cold sweat or paleness.

"When a stroke occurs, severe injury to mental and bodily functions - even death - can result. Knowing the warning signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical treatment are critical," he says. The warning signs of a stroke are: sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they subside and then return. If any of them occur, get help fast.

For more information about heart attacks or stroke, contact your nearest American Heart Association or call 1-800-AHA-USAl (1 -800-242-8721) or visit the association's Web, site at www.americanheart.org/tx

- American Heart Association Houston Division

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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