How to Tell If You're Having a Heart Attack

The sudden death of veteran news journalist Tim Russert from a heart attack at age 58 made many people wonder if they are at risk. Everyone, no matter what your basic health status is, can develop a sudden weakness in the heart muscle which can lead to a heart attack. This article will focus on the signs and symptoms of heart attack, and what you should do immediately to save your life or someone else's!

Things You'll Need

• Health care appointment
• Review of your activity level
• Review of your smoking and alcohol use
• Review of your eating habits
• Discussion with your health care provider regarding your lipid and other profiles

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Instructions

• 1

  To determine where you may fall on the risk factor spectrum it is important to have a complete checkup with a nurse practitioner or medical doctor. Along with the basic EKG you should also review the "Things You'll Need" section above, especially your cholesterol level. You and your health care provider, together, can develop a fair judgement on your risk and what to do about any factors that may need attention. However, it is important to remember even people in so-called "perfect health" can have a heart attack.

• 2

  Signs of a heart attack are often overlooked or attributed to something else such as stress or indigestion. However, it is better to feel foolish by going to the ER if you have any signs/symptoms, then to end up on the floor.

• 3

  Know the classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

  Chest pain (sometimes "crushing," but not always) anywhere from your waist on up
  Jabbing pain radiating down your left arm (again, not always!)
  Feeling bloated, uncomfortable and like you have a very bad case of indigestion (even if you have not eaten recently)
  Nausea, vomiting, sweating and a cold, clammy feeling

• 4

  Many cardiac specialists recommend that anyone over the age of 40 always have access to 81 mg of aspirin nearby (if not allergic). If you think you are having a heart attack chew the asprin ASAP ad you call 911.

• 5

  Do not hesitate to call 911 or have someone drive you to the closest ER. Acute heart attack treatment has dramatically improved, and the sooner you get treatment, the more likely your chances of survival and limited damage.