Chest discomfort is often the first sign of an attack

Don’t ignore the feeling; get it checked out by a doctor.

McClatchy Newspapers

Knowing your numbers is a big part of keeping your heart healthy. They can help you and your doctor determine risks and mark the progress you’re making toward a healthier heart. Ask your doctor about cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and fasting glucose. The rest you can monitor yourself.

Heart attacks are an indicator of a heart problem such as an irregular heart beat or blocked arteries.

Chest discomfort is one of the signs of a heart attack. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

What to do

Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 911.

Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital.

If you don’t have access to an ambulance, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you’re the one having symptoms, don’t drive yourself unless you have absolutely no other option.