WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting two minutes or longer
• Pain spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms (usually on the left side of the body)
• Nausea or dizziness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Sweating or palpitations
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness or fatigue

If you or someone you’re with experiences any or all of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Risk of death from a heart attack is highest within the first two hours.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

Blood flow from an artery to the heart is restricted, which deprives the heart muscle of necessary oxygen-rich blood. The restriction comes from a blood clot in an area of the artery where a fatty plaque has ruptured or from an artery that has had a spasm. The amount of damage depends on which artery is blocked and what the remaining blood flow is like in the area. The death of a piece of the heart muscle triggers the symptoms of a heart attack.