Recognition and Response Time Essential vs. Heart Attack

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To many people, heart disease's status as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States comes as no surprise. For seniors, this is even less surprising, as heart health is often a topic of discussion when seniors visit their physicians.

That heart disease claims so many American lives each year (more than 650,000 in 2005 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is not exactly illuminating to most seniors, who are fully aware they must control their diets and exercise regularly to avoid cardiovascular disease. However, the warning signs of heart disease, in particular heart attack, might not be as widely known. While many might think all heart attacks are sudden and intense, most actually start slowly, with some mild pain or discomfort, before escalating into something much bigger, and much more deadly. The following warning signs could be indicative that a heart attack is happening.

* Upper body discomfort: Nearly everyone is aware that pain in the left arm can be indicative of a heart attack. However, pain in the neck, jaw, stomach, or even the right arm could also be symptomatic of a heart attack.

* Discomfort in the chest: Discomfort in the chest that lasts longer than a few minutes, or goes away and returns periodically, is very common among people who are having a heart attack. This discomfort in the chest can feel like squeezing, uncomfortable pressure or simply feel painful.

* Shortness of breath: Even if you're not having chest pain, shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart attack. Shortness of breath combined with chest pain should be considered an emergency and action should be taken immediately.

Seniors who experience any of the aforementioned symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately. Many times, drugs designed to bust blood clots can stop a heart attack or even a stroke from occurring. However, these drugs are typically only effective if they are administered quickly after the symptoms have first appeared, highlighting the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately.