Every year, thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks because they don’t act quickly enough to get the help needed. The fact is, the average Canadian waits almost five hours after the onset of symptoms before seeking medical treatment.

Yet, the best chance of survival occurs if you get medical treatment within two hours. By understanding the signs and symptoms of a heart attack we can all act quickly to get ourselves, and those around us, the medical assistance required.

• Call 911 - get to the hospital immediately

• Stop all activity. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position until help arrives.

• Take your normal dosage of nitroglycerin, if it is prescribed.

• Chew or swallow an Aspirin™ (160 mg-325 mg) tablet(s). NOTE: Acetaminophen (e.g.,Tylenol™ ,etc.) or Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil™,etc.) do not have the same effect as Aspirin™ and will not help.

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

Pain and discomfort occurring in the chest, upper body, and stomach; will last for several minutes.

-Chest pain usually feels like a tight ache, pressure, or squeezing at the centre.

- Pain or discomfort can also spread from the chest to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth, jaw, or abdominal area (sometimes feels like heartburn).

• Panting for breath or trying to take in deep breaths. In addition, feeling dizzy or feeling like passing out.
• Sick to the stomach or vomiting.
• Suddenly break into a cold sweat with clammy skin.
• Feeling of a sense of doom or a panic attack with no apparent reason.