There are many different kinds of warning signs posted along streets, roads and highways. No passing zone, railroad crossing, merging traffic, divided highway, school zone, animal crossing, construction ahead, narrow bridge — the list goes on.

Similar to these recognizable yellow and black traffic signs are warning signs for heart attacks. Becoming familiar with these signs could save your life, just like paying attention to warning signs when you are driving.

The key to surviving a heart attack is knowing the warning signs so you can get emergency medical treatment. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately for an ambulance to take you to the hospital. Do not try to drive yourself.

Some of the early warning signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and then comes back. This pain may be severe and feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness that is not relieved by changing positions or resting.

• Pain that extends to other areas of the body, such as the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath, as well as lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, fainting, nausea or vomiting. 

It is important to remember that not all people who have heart attacks experience the same symptoms or to the same degree. The warning signs of a heart attack for women may be slightly different than those for men. While both commonly experience chest pain or discomfort, women may be more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

For tips about how to respond to a heart attack, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/HeartAttackResponse.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com