SPRINGFIELD – Despite the preconceived notion that a heart attack begins with a rapid and dramatic onset of debilitating chest pain, most heart attacks actually start slowly and in many cases a person may not be sure of what is happening. Because half of cardiac-related deaths occur within one hour, and outside of a hospital, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and act quickly.

During February – American Heart Month – Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital is launching a “Pledge Awareness. Know the Signs” multi-media public awareness campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate the public about the many different warning signs of a heart attack and encourage quick action when they occur. While chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom of a heart attack, heart attack victims may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain, fullness and/or a squeezing sensation in the chest. 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. Jaw pain, toothache and headache.
• Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort, but can occur before chest discomfort.
• Nausea, vomiting and/or general discomfort in the upper, middle abdomen.
• Sweating.
• Heartburn and/or indigestion.
• Arm pain. (Most commonly in the left arm, but it may be in either arm).
• Upper back pain.
• Vague feeling of illness.
• No symptoms. Approximately 25 percent of all heart attacks are silent. Silent heart attacks are most common among patients with diabetes.
• Denial. The most classic and dangerous symptom of all. The five most dangerous words associated with chest pain are: “Maybe it will go away.”

Prairie Heart’s “Pledge Awareness. Know the Signs” campaign will include specific information found at www.prairieheart.com about how to differentiate heart attack warning signs by gender and by comparing the signs to other ailments.

Heartburn, Heart Attack or Neither?

It’s normal for people with chest discomfort to ask, “Is this heartburn, or am I having a heart attack?” One of the main differences between heartburn and heart attack is that during a heart attack a person may also have:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Light-headedness
• Weakness

Women’s symptoms are not as predictable

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are also more likely than men to experience some of these common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Unusual fatigue
• Cold sweat
• Dizziness

The Public is also being encouraged to take quick action if they detect the warning signs in themselves or see the signs appear with another person.

If you or someone else may be having a heart attack

• Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.
• Don’t “tough out” the symptoms of a heart attack for more than five minutes.
• If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, have someone such as a neighbor or friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort if there are absolutely no other options. Driving yourself puts you and others at risk if your condition suddenly worsens.
• Chew a regular-strength aspirin. Aspirin can inhibit blood clotting. However, you shouldn’t take aspirin if you’re allergic to aspirin, have bleeding problems or your doctor previously told you not to do so.
• Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you’re having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Do not take anyone else’s nitroglycerin.

An online pledge and four minute video of patients who suffered from a heart attack explaining their warning signs can be viewed at www.prairieheart.com. 

Prairie Heart will also be hosting the “Prairie Heart Fair” on Saturday, February 13 at White Oaks Mall. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., staff from Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital will be offering free health screenings and valuable information on warning signs of a heart attack. Celebrity Chef and author Art Smith will be the special guest at the Prairie Heart Fair. He will conduct a cooking demonstration using heart healthy foods at 11 a.m. in the mall’s center court near the Macy’s wing. 

For more information on “Pledge Awareness. Know the Signs” visit www.prairieheart.com.