When You’re Having a Heart Attack or Stroke –– Minutes Matter!
Courtesy Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. Stroke is the number three cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of serious disability. That’s why it’s so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies –– every second counts. If you see or have any of the symptoms, immediately call 911. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don’t delay –– get help right away!
Heart Attack | Stroke | |
What happens to your body |
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Signs & Symptoms |
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.
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. |
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When to call 911 |
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Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ is an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Our emergency physicians and staff work closely with cardiologists, the catheterization lab and diagnostic services within the hospital to insure quick diagnosis and treatment.
Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ is a Primary Stroke Care Center accredited by the Joint Commission. Our team of highly-skilled medical professionals and specialists incorporate all of the hospital’s diagnostic and treatment services to give stroke patients the fastest and most effective treatment possible.
Texas Health Presbyterian-WNJ is located at 500 North Highland Avenue in Sherman, TX and can be reached at 903-870-4611 or visit their website at www.wnj.org.