Heart health month: Know the signs, know what to do when trouble happens

Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked. They are often obvious but may also be more subtle, mimicking other health issues. Chest pain or chest pressure are common symptoms of a heart attack, but shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and/or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, back, jaw, or arm may also occur.
 
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, resulting in the immediate loss of responsiveness. Breathing may also cease or look and sound abnormal. In this case, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is needed. The American Heart Association now recommends “hands-only CPR,” which keeps the blood flowing to major organs while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.  
 

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced. They may happen suddenly, slowly or gradually, or be short-term, which is an urgent warning sign not to be ignored. In any case, remember the FAST acronym:
 
Face: Does one side droop or is the smile asymmetrical? 
Arm:  Is one side weaker or numb? 
Speech: Is it slurred, garbled, or non-existent? 
Time: Is essential to obtain prompt treatment and a better outcome  
 
In each of these situations, it is important to call 911 and not drive the person to the hospital. Using emergency response services will assure direct admission into the emergency room, allowing immediate lifesaving treatment to be administered.
 
For more information on these topics and CPR how-to videos, go to www.heart.org. 

Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN

 lwalshrn@st-ann.org
770-552-6400 x6019