Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Whether it’s a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest, it’s important to know the warning signs.  Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease can helps save lives.

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS

CHEST DISCOMFORT: 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.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH: With or without chest discomfort.

OTHER SIGNS: May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

STROKE SYMPTOMS

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

FACE DROOPING: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

ARM WEAKNESS: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

CARDIAC ARREST SYMPTOMS

SUDDEN LOSS OF RESPONSIVENESS: No response to tapping on shoulders.

NO NORMAL BREATHING: The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, call 9-1-1.

Source : www.heart.org