Knowing Symptoms Could Be Life Saving

February 23, 2005, ST. LOUIS - Heart disease is America''s leading killer, claiming almost a million lives each year. However, that number is on the decline thanks to new procedures, technology, and awareness.

Doctors say knowing what a heart attack feels like is important, as research shows a significant increase in survival rate if a heart attack is treated within the first hour. They say knowing heart attack symptoms and getting immediate help can be crucial to survival.

Arthur Halle, MD, cardiologist at the Washington University Heart Care Institute at Barnes Jewish Hospital, says heart attacks are caused by blockages within the heart''s blood vessels and they''re accompanied by noticeable symptoms.

"The discomfort associated with blockages of the heart feels like a pressure, burning, or tightness that is located in the mid-line, right below the breast bone in the mid chest, neck, or jaw," says Dr. Halle. "Typically this discomfort lasts at least one minute and should not last over 15 minutes."

Dr. Halle is also author of "Heart Healthy: How To Prevent a Heart Attack." He says many people mistake heart attack symptoms for common every day complaints such as indigestion, headaches, and fatigue. However, these could be the first sign of an apparent heart attack. Symptoms may vary from person to person especially in men and women. Some early warning signs include:

Angina pectoris - strong, suffocating pain much more intense than indigestion. The pain usually goes away after 15 minutes with rest and calm. Doctors call this symptom "God''s gift to humans" because many heart attacks come on suddenly. Angina is an early warning sign that something is wrong.

• Sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath may also accompany a heart attack

• Numbness

• Crushing pain in the center of the chest

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

These are only a few of the symptoms that may occur. Nonetheless, some heart attacks can have no symptoms at all -- especially in diabetics.

"Diabetics may not have the characteristic mid-line discomfort," says Dr. Halle. "Sometimes they have what is called silent heart blockages with no symptoms whatsoever. Often times, however, they may have uncomfortable short-windedness with less amount of activity."

Dr. Halle says people who think they are having a heart attack shouldn''t waste time in getting medical attention. Waiting to see if the pain goes away can result in permanent damage. Dr. Halle says key steps are to call 911, lie down until help arrives, and chew four baby aspirin -- do not just swallow them.

"You should chew the baby aspirin as the ambulance is coming because the aspirin will quickly be absorbed as opposed to swallowing," says Dr. Halle. "If it''s chewed up it quickly gets into the blood stream and has its blood thinning effect."

Also, it is important not to panic. Panic restricts the blood vessels making it harder to handle the heart attack. Research has shown that those who don''t panic during a heart attack have a much higher survival rate.

The key to a life free of heart attacks is prevention. Exercising daily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces the probability of a heart attack. Smoking has been shown to increase the chances of a heart attack, so those who stop smoking can decrease their chances.

"Smokers should pick a date in the next 30 days to quit. If they want to cut down before that quit date they may. But if not, they should quit cold turkey on the assigned date," says Dr. Halle. He adds other ways to prevent an attack is to take steps to lower high blood pressure and reduce high blood cholesterol.

It is important for people to begin to become familiar with their risk factors so they can be modified accordingly. Over one million Americans will suffer a heart attack this year with about half of them being fatal. Knowing the symptoms, what to do if you have a heart attack, and prevention may save your life or a loved one''s.

For more information about heart disease, for a heart disease awareness kit or for information about Dr. Halle''s book, call (314) TOP-DOCS (867-3627) or 866-TOP-DOCS.