Being a Heartsaver

If you're with someone who seems to be having an attack, act immediately.

Expect a "denial." It's normal for someone with chest pain to deny that it could be a heart attack. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.
Call an emergency service or get to the nearest hospital.
Give CPR if it's necessary and you are properly trained.

Know common warning signs:

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back again.
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms.
Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Many heart attacks cause completely different sensations. The signs listed here are common, but by no means are they the only possible indications of a heart attack in progress.

Know what to do:

Find out which nearby hospitals have 24-hour emergency cardiac care.
Keep a list of emergency numbers next to the telephone and in your wallet.
If you have chest discomfort, call an emergency service or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Don't drive yourself!

healthy heart