Do you know the signs?

Feeling chest pain can be one of the scariest experiences of your life. It can be difficult to think straight when it happens so it’s imperative to fully know and understand what to look for before a crisis like this happens for you or a loved one.

The sooner you get help for a heart attack the better the prognosis for outcome.

Let’s make a nice quick list that you can remember.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling lightheaded, weak, or faint
• Jaw pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Pain in one shoulder or arm usually the right side
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea/vomiting (more common in women)
• Unexplained feeling of exhaustion (more common in women)

A heart attack (a myocardial infarction) takes place when part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. The more time without blood flow the greater the risk of permanent damage. It can be caused by coronary artery disease or a sudden spasm of the artery that stops blood flow to the heart.

Age, heredity, and lifestyle all play into the risk factor for heart attacks. Half of all Americans have at least one of these 3 key risk factors: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking.

Heart attacks are sometimes confused with panic or anxiety attacks. It is difficult to tell the difference without an EKG. It is always better to err on the side of caution. If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, please don’t wait. Go to the nearest ER or Urgent Care facility in your area.

If you are in the Tampa Bay, Florida area and have cardiovascular issues or questions we would love to talk with you. Give our office a call at 813-975-2800. With several convenient office locations throughout the area! www.tampacardio.com to find the one nearest you.