15 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Heart Attack

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15. Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

When it comes to a heart attack, time is muscle. By learning the early warning signs of heart attack, you can seek help sooner and improve your chances of survival and recovery. Typical symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest discomfort. This is often described as a feeling of tightness or fullness.
• Pain that radiates down the arm, to the jaw, or between the shoulder blades.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue or flu-like symptoms.
• A feeling of impending doom.
• Sweating.
• Lightheadedness.

It is important to note that women are less likely to experience chest pain or discomfort during a heart attack. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and referred pain in the jaw or shoulder blades. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.

A diagnosis of heart disease or a previous heart attack does not mean that it is too late to take steps to improve your heart health. By utilizing the above steps, you can reduce your chances of having another heart attack and improve your overall quality of life.