No doubt you’ve seen this scene many times in the movies or on television: Someone is out having fun and suddenly raises a hand to the chest. The fear and pain are visible on the person’s wincing face. Friends and loved ones come running over, and the individual falls to the ground. It is clear that the person has experienced some kind of cardiac event. Someone quickly calls for an ambulance, and the victim gets emergency care.
But what if the signs are not so clear? What if that scene plays out differently?
Sometimes the red flags of heart attack and stroke are so minor that the person brushes off symptoms and continues on with life — only to learn later that a serious health situation was happening.
This is why our team at Empress EMS wants to remind you of the warning signs of these serious events, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention — even if symptoms could represent something less serious. It never hurts to get checked out — and it could absolutely save a life.
Here’s what to look for:
Heart Attack
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Soreness, pain, or discomfort in the arms, back, or neck
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden cold sweat
- In women specifically, heart attacks can manifest with a sense of fullness or pressure in the chest, but that can also be experienced in the back
Stroke
- Drooping of one side of the face
- Numbness or weakness on one or both sides of the body
- Difficulty speaking; slurred speech
- Sudden headache
- Confusion
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Vision problems
If you think that you or your loved one is experiencing heart attack or stroke, remember that every second counts. Some of these events can be catastrophic if not attended to quickly.
Do not delay or second-guess your instinct to call emergency medical services. Dial 911 immediately and seek help.
