In an Emergency

Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

· Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

· Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

· Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

· Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

What is "Angina"?
Angina is an when your heart is not receiving an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. Angina comes in many forms: pressure, tightness, squeezing, aching, heaviness, choking, etc. It may be located anywhere in the upper body: jaw, neck, back, chest, left or right arms. Each person can experience a different type of angina. Some may not experience angina at all.

If you have an emergency, call 911.....

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) to treat the problem. There are two ways to start treatment.

You Can:
¨       Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

¨       Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

¨       If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

-OR-

If a physician has prescribed you Nitroglycerin (either in the form of a small pill or a spray), follow these steps:

1. At the onset of angina, you should first stop any activity and sit down.

2. If symptoms persist, place one nitroglycerin tablet (or one spray) under your tongue.

NOTE: Be seated while taking nitroglycerin. It may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you swallow the tablet accidentally, take another nitroglycerin immediately. The stomach acid destroys the effect of the tablet.

3. If no relief comes in five minutes, place another nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue.

4. Again, if no relief comes in five minutes, place one more tablet under your tongue.

5. Angina which persists after 3 nitroglycerin tablets in a fifteen minute period, may be an indication that a HEART ATTACK is in progress. You should immediately call 911 or be driven to the nearest hospital!