A heart attack can creep up on one when least expected. Fortunately, there are early warning signs that can help someone call for help, before a heart attack incapacitates them. Once these symptoms are identified, a medical alert system can be used send for help.
Numbness in the Extremities
According to the American Heart Association, numbness or tingling in the arms, thighs and legs are early warning signs of a heart attack. This is due to problems with blood flow that are attributable to clogged arteries and the pumping mechanisms of the heart. The numbness can be over a part of the body or in multiple extremities, depending on one’s body and the type of heart attack taking place. If the numbness persists and other symptoms follow, such as severe headaches or chest pain, then it’s time to call for help using a medical alert system.
Anxiety & Shortness of Breath
Feelings of anxiety and shortness of breath are classic symptoms of a heart attack, according to WebMD. Although anxiety can be cause by any number of things, including too much caffeine and stressful situations, it can also mean that a heart attack is fast approaching. Shortness of breath, caused by poor blood flow and stress on one’s body, is also a clear giveaway that something is not right. Chest pain and discomfort shortly follow these two symptoms, making it important for seniors and other living alone to call for help immediately, once these symptoms are recognized.
Nausea & Dizziness
An upset stomach and dizziness can be indicative of a number of conditions that are not associated with a heart attack. However, these warning signs combined with chest pain or shortness of breath are a giveaway that a heart attack is imminent. The sickness to one’s stomach can come on suddenly, shortly before the heart attack occurs. If one is losing their balance and is having multiple physical problems, it’s time to call for help. There is no reason to let a heart attack prematurely end one’s life, because there are a number of techniques that emergency medical technicians and doctors can use to counteract the effects heart trouble.
The possibility of a heart attack can make it scary to live alone. For this reason, it’s important to know the symptoms of this medical emergency, so that one can call for help. If you are interested in a medical alert system feel free to contact us and we can help.