Delay in Calling an Ambulance Can be Fatal

The sooner a person recognizes the signs of a heart attack, the sooner they can get help and the more likely they are to survive. Unfortunately, studies have shown that people are less likely to call an ambulance for themselves than they are to call one for someone else. This is one of the reasons that single people who live alone and have never married, are the people most likely to die from a heart attack.

According to the CDC, the major signs of a heart attack are:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, shoulders, or stomach
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs and symptoms that a person may have during a heart attack include:

• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Lightheadedness

If you live alone, learn to recognize these symptoms. If you think you may be having a heart attack, don’t hesitate to call for help.