Recognizing heart attack symptoms
Act in Time Heart Attack Signs wallet card. KEYWORD: walletcard Credit: Handout
Most people who have a heart attack wait at least two hours before asking for medical help, according to the National Institutes of Health. By waiting that long, irreparable and preventable damage may occur. The reason for the delay: Many don't recognize heart attack symptoms or they simply ignore them. Some are embarrassed to call 911. But it's better to go to the emergency room and be diagnosed with indigestion or a herniated disc than do nothing and die of a heart attack. Bottom line: If you have shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort in one or both arms, call 911 immediately.
As part of its "Act in Time" initiative, the government offers a heart attack symptoms wallet card. You can download the card at 1.usa.gov/heart-wallet or order a free printed card by calling 301-592-8573. To watch a short video on how to recognize heart attack signs, go to 1.usa.gov/heart-video.
