Five Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Each year the scouts like to remind me that I’m not getting any younger… As a Scoutmaster, I too do my best to keep myself physically strong. I work out in the mornings, try to eat healthy (with sneaking the occasional burger from In N’ Out), and I get my regular checkups from the Dr. But nature sometimes has it’s own agenda, especially when you are being reminded that you were born before cell phones! In my opinion, my heart is the first thing that I need to look after. I only have one, and when it stops… well… you know.
Within the First Class requirements, First Aid merit badge, along with the Webelos First Responder, they ask you to do some research on heart attacks and the 5 warning sings of a heart attack. Here are my findings:
According to Penn Medicine
Pressing or squeezing sensation in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes
Neck, jaw, back, or stomach discomfort or pain
Arm or shoulder discomfort or pain, felt in one or both arms
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and/or breaking into cold sweat
Any combination of these symptoms should be taken seriously.
Call 9-1-1 !!!
Also, according to Penn Medicine, “people who call 9-1-1 for a heart attack typically receive emergency medical services much faster than those who drive to the hospital.”
(https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2018/august/signs-of-a-heart-attack)