Heart attack signs & action plan

A heavy chest sensation, numbness in the arms and a sick, sweaty feeling? These sound like the warning signs of a potential heart attack, wouldn't you agree? Along with these more commonly known heart attack warning signs, other symptoms of a heart attack may not be what you think.

No two heart attacks are the same and someone who has already had a heart attack may experience different symptoms a second time around. A heart attack does not always have to be sudden, it can come on slowly, with only mild discomfort.

Knowing the symptoms and what action to take in these situations can help to reduce damage to the heart and potentially save lives.

READ THE SIGNS

• Chest pain

• Feeling sick / nauseous

• Arm Pain

• Jaw or Back Pain

• Feeling Sweaty (cold sweat)

• Choking Sensation

• Swollen Ankles

• Extreme Fatigue

• Irregular heartbeat

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed

• Feeling short of breath

The Australia Heart Foundation has put together a free heart attack information sheet outlining the warning signs of a heart attack and what you can do in that situation.

If you experience the warning signs of heart attack for 10 minutes, if your symptoms are severe or get progressively worse or if your usual medication is not working, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Resources:

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-attack-symptoms

https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-magazine/medical/11-signs-you-might-have-heart-disease