It’s February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), listed as the underlying cause of death, accounts for nearly one million deaths annually—that’s more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined. NOTS Logistics takes this month each year to raise coworker and public awareness not only about heart health, but also about life-saving tips that can make a difference in a cardiac event emergency situation.
Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
If these warning signs are present CALL 911 – you may be witnessing or experiencing a cardiac event.
Heart Attack Symptoms
- CHEST DISCOMFORT
- DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- SHORTNESS OF BREATH – with or without chest discomfort
- OTHER SIGNS – may include cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness
Stroke Symptoms: Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.
- FACE DROOPING – Is one side of the face droopy or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
- ARM WEAKNESS – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- SPEECH DIFFICULTY – Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like: The sky is blue.
- TIME TO CALL 911 – If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
- SUDDEN LOSS OF RESPONSIVENESS – No response to tapping on shoulders.
- NO NORMAL BREATHING – The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.
- NO PULSE OR HEARTBEAT NOTED
Prevent and Prepare
In most cases, heart disease is preventable with a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting regular physical activity and getting regular checkups.
If a cardiac event does occur, be prepared by knowing the basics about life-saving options such as CPR and using an AED. Click to access resources from the American Heart Association for more specific instructions on how to learn CPR and other life-saving techniques.
