Would you be able to respond to a possible heart attack?

Heart attacks remain a leading cause of death for men and women. They can strike at anytime -and to almost anyone -- so don't disregard symptoms based on the patient's gender or age. Time is critical to survival. Patient delay remains the primary reason those having a heart attack do not receive proper care.

Know the warning signs
Heart attacks are not always obvious, but generally can present any number of the following symptoms:

• Chest discomfort that is generally in the center of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. The discomfort may be mild or severe, and may come and go.
  
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  
• Shortness of breath may occur along with, or before, chest discomfort.
  
• Other signs such as nausea, light-headedness or breaking out in a cold sweat.

When the symptoms strike — act fast
In a situation where you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, act quickly to prevent disability or death. Wait no more than a few minutes-five at most-and be sure to call 9-1-1. This enables emergency medical personnel to begin treatment even before you get to the hospital — or to restart your heart should it stop beating.

Clot-reduction medicines and other treatments that can stop a heart attack work best when given within the first hour after a heart attack starts. Even if you're not sure you're having a heart attack, call 9-1-1. If your symptoms stop completely in less than five minutes, call your doctor.

Women tend to delay seeking help because they don't want to bother others or waste time in the event of a "false alarm." But when you're facing something as serious as a possible heart attack, it is much better to be safe than sorry.

Be sure your friends and all family members know the warning signs and urgency to call 9-1-1.

If heart attack strikes
When you get to the hospital, be sure you speak up and reveal all the symptoms. If possible, have someone with you who can answer questions on your behalf, in case you cannot speak clearly. Ask that tests be performed to determine whether you are having a heart attack. Don't let anyone tell you that you're "overreacting." You have the right to be thoroughly examined for a possible heart attack — and to receive immediate treatment, as necessary.

Adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute publication, The Heart Truth for Women, February 2003.