Page 45 - Participant Manual

MEN... WOMEN...
often, but not always, experience the “classic” may experience the “classic” signs
signs and symptoms of a heart attack: and symptoms but they are often milder
and may be accompanied by more
Chest pain, pressure, squeezing, general signs and symptoms such as:
tightness, aching or heaviness that HEART
lasts longer than 3-5 minutes or ATTACK
goes away and comes back Shortness of breath
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Radiating pain to arm(s), shoulder Fatigue
or neck Dizziness
Sweating
Secondary signs and symptoms may Back or jaw pain
include dizziness, loss of consciousness,
sweating, nausea or shortness of breath

Figure 3-2. Men and women often experience heart attacks differently.

Although men often have the “classic” signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain that radiates
down one arm, women often have more subtle signs and symptoms or experience the signs and symptoms of
a heart attack differently than men do (Figure 3-2). For example, in women, the “classic” signs and symptoms
may be milder or accompanied by more general signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath; nausea
or vomiting; extreme fatigue; and dizziness or light-headedness. Because these signs and symptoms are so
general and nonspecific, women may experience them for hours, days or even weeks leading up to the heart
attack but dismiss them as nothing out of the ordinary.

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack may also be more subtle in people with certain medical conditions,
such as diabetes.

First Aid Care for a Heart Attack

If you think that a person is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or the designated
emergency number immediately. Trust your instincts. Many people who are having a
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heart attack delay seeking care because they hope they are experiencing signs and
symptoms of a more minor condition that will go away with time, such as indigestion,
heartburn, a muscle strain or the flu. People often worry about calling an ambulance
and going to the emergency room for a “false alarm.” However, most people who
die of a heart attack die within 2 hours of first experiencing signs or symptoms. Even
when a heart attack is not fatal, early advanced medical care can help to minimize
the damage to the heart. Always seek advanced medical care as soon as signs and
symptoms of a heart attack are noted.
If you think that someone might be having a heart attack, you should:

■ Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number ■ Have the person stop what he or she is doing
immediately. Never try to drive a person who and rest in a comfortable position to reduce
is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart the heart’s need for oxygen. Many people
attack to the hospital yourself. EMS personnel experiencing a heart attack find it easier to
can transport the person to the hospital safely breathe while sitting.
while initiating care.

Chapter 3 Cardiac Emergencies | 36 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 3 Cardiac Emergencies | 37 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual