What are the major signs of a heart attack?

It’s an urgent question but, unfortunately, fewer than one in three Americans know the five most common warning signs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveyed by 70,000 adults to assess their knowledge of heart attack symptoms. They found only 31% knew all five:

-Shortness of breath

-Chest pain

-Pain in the jaw, neck, or back

-Pain in the arm or shoulder

-Weakness or lightheadedness

The survey additionally found that women, whites, and those with more education were more likely to know these symptoms than men, minorities, and those with less education. It’s critical to know

the warning signs so that instant action can be taken. Interventions, such as clot-busting drugs, may save lives - but, they are most effective when given within the first hour of the onset of symptoms.

The CDC recommends aggressive education efforts to increase the awareness of the major warning signs. In the meantime, study the above symptoms and commit them to memory. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, or others, signal 911 immediately. That simple signal may save a life.

To learn more about the survey, see that from Reuters. To read more about heart attack and stroke warning signs, see that from the American Heart Associations.