Learn about the signs of heart attacks and strokes

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. These 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. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can happen before chest discomfort.
• Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. These can include breaking out in a cold sweat, having nausea, or feeling lightheaded.

If you or someone you're with has one or more of these symptoms, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 911.

Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. The signs are:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
• No normal breathing. The person does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
• No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.

If cardiac arrest occurs, call 911 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone nearby is trained to use it, involve them.

Warning signs of strokes include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. This can happen on just one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, feeling dizzy, or losing balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone you're with has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 911.

Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. There are medications that can reduce long-term disability for some strokes, if given quickly.