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"Act in Time"
The month of February has been highlighted by many groups as the time to recognize heart disease as America's #1 killer. The American Heart Association and the American Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have initiated a new "Act in Time" campaign aimed at expanding people's awareness of heart attack and the critical importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms, stroke or cardiac arrest.
Many people delay in seeking medical treatment, passing off symptoms as transient. Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies and every second makes a difference. The importance of reducing your risk factors, knowing the warning signs, and knowing how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs do occur, can prevent permanent disabilities.
If given quickly, clot-busting drugs can stop a heart attack or stroke in progress, reducing disability and ultimately saving lives. Other artery opening procedures can be done and prevent further damage if done quickly. For the drugs to be effective, they must be administered quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms appear, usually within the first hour. Responding fast to your symptoms greatly increases your chances of surviving. So, seek help immediately-don't wait!
How do you know if you are having a heart attack? There are some classic symptoms to be aware of:
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest This may last for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, which may be felt in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath, which often occurs with or before chest discomfort
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
Stroke is the #3 killer in America. The warning signs of stroke as stated by the American Stroke Association:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms do not delay, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY! Do not wait to see if the symptoms subside. Waiting more than a few, 5 at the most can result in serious consequences. Call 9-1-1 right away!
Cardiac Arrest strikes immediately and without warning. It is critical to know the signs:
• Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
• No normal breathing. The victim 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 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone trained to use it, involve him or her in the care of the individual.
What is angina and how does it differ from a heart attack?
Many people who experience angina cannot tell the difference between angina and heart attack. Angina is a recurring pain or discomfort that occurs when a certain area of the heart does not receive enough blood temporarily. Any exertion, such as climbing stairs, may bring on angina. The pain is usually relieved once a person stops the activity, rests and/or takes the prescribed angina medication. However, people who have been diagnosed with angina do have a higher risk of heart attack.
How to remember all this?
If you know you have a pre-existing heart condition, you can be prepared. Make a plan and discuss it in advance with your family, friends, co-workers and your doctor. Keep a list of the medications that you are taking. Know the warning signs. Rehearse the plan, keeping it simple. If you have any of the symptoms of a heart attack for a few minutes, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Should I take nitroglycerin pills if I have heart attack symptoms?
If your doctor prescribed nitroglycerin pills, you should follow your doctor's orders. If you are unsure when to take pills, ask your doctor about how to take your pills when you get chest pain. Again, call 9-1-1 if you continue to have chest pain after taking the maximum dose of nitroglycerin as prescribed by your doctor.
Remember that 9-1-1 is the fastest way to receive life saving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can initiate treatment right away- usually up to an hour sooner than if a person is transported to the hospital by car. The EMS staff is trained to administer resuscitation to someone whose heart has stopped. If you are unable to access EMS, have someone drive to the hospital right away. Do not drive yourself unless there is no other option. Remember to "Act in Time" as it may save a life!
“HEALTHY YOU” is a weekly column prepared by health care providers and staff at North Country Hospital and Health System. Please call Nancy Goss, NCH Community Relations, 334-3225, for information or to suggest a topic for this column. |
