Heart Attack

Everyone should know the warning signs of a heart attack. Here is a summary:

• Chest discomfort
  Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Heart attack pain can sometimes feel like indigestion or heartburn.

Detecting and treating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, an group of risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and other symptoms would reduce heart attacks and related heart diseases immensely.

Most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. If in doubt, call 911.

The American Heart Association says that "Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain."

Some of the most common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain; pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, and jaw; pain that increases in intensity. There may be shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Some of these are also symptoms of indigestion. Don't hesitate to contact your physician.

The warning signs for men and women can be different. Be familiar with the signs so you can act quickly.

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