Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

March 2008

Act In Time: Call 9-1-1 to Save a Life

Coronary heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. They are life-and-death emergencies in which every second counts. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to call 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of any symptoms.

Not all symptoms occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. People who are not sure if they are really having a heart attack will often wait to see if their symptoms get better.

Today, heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments that were not available perviously. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive, which can be up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

If you can't access the emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. Don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Knowing the warning signs and knowing how to respond quickly if those warning signs occur can save a life and limit disability.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks can be sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Heart attack symptoms are:

• Chest pain that can also feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, or
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services number so an ambulance can be sent for you. Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack or stroke, have it checked out. Minutes can matter.

Table of Contents...