Did you know that most heart attacks start slowly, with only mild pain and discomfort? Many people experiencing them don’t know what’s wrong and wait too long to get the help they need. Today, heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new technology and medications that can save lives—but to get their full benefit, quick action is required.

That’s why it’s so important to reduce risk factors and to know how to respond quickly and properly when warning signs occur, by calling 911.

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

• Chest Discomfort—can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body—can include pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, one or both arms, the stomach or the back
• Shortness of breath—may occur with or without chest discomfort
• Other signs—cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness

• 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