Is it a heart attack?

The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation lists six symptoms of heart attacks. While some people may experience only one of these symptoms, others may experience some combination of symptoms.

• Discomfort in the chest – pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, burning, heaviness
• Upper body discomfort – neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Light-headedness

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or have a companion call on your behalf.

• Unlock your door so that medical personnel can get into your house or apartment
• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position
• If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dose
• Follow the advice of the 9-1-1 operator before taking ASA
• Do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Rest and wait for the ambulance to arrive

Learn to recognize the symptoms and don’t take chances by thinking these feeling will go away. Better safe than sorry!