Heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests are cardiovascular conditions that often lead to death. Most heart attacks and strokes are caused by blood clots; many cardiac arrests are brought on by major heart attacks. Each of these conditions can strike at any age but become more likely as one ages. It is important to recognize the basic warning signs of each condition and to seek emergency help when symptoms are present.
Heart Attack
The classic warning sign of heart attack is pain or discomfort in the area of the chest. Sometimes, this pain or discomfort is felt in the back, shoulder, arm, neck, jaw or teeth. Nausea, dizziness and may be present. The person may perspire although the room is cool. Restlessness, anxiety and a feeling of doom are additional symptoms. The individual may have difficulty breathing. Some people suffering a heart attack become unconscious and fall to the ground while others move about and have difficulty being still when instructed to do so. Some heart attack victims have no noticeable symptoms.
Stroke
Classic stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. This often involves one arm, one leg or one side of the face. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that the individual may suddenly become unable to speak. It is also possible for the person to speak garbled words. He may be unable to understand what is being asked of him. He may stagger and fall or complain of severe dizziness. Blindness or vision change in one eye is another warning sign of stroke. A severe headache may come on suddenly.
Cardiac Arrest
The most common symptoms of cardiac arrest are a fall to the ground or other display of sudden unconsciousness. The person cannot be aroused and is not breathing normally, if at all. Harvard Medical School describes the following warning signs of impending cardiac arrest: excessive tiredness for no reason, sudden onset of vomiting, a sudden hot feeling, dizziness and chest pain or discomfort. The individual may complain of a problem in one or both arms, including weakness, aching or an unusual heavy feeling, as though the arms are difficult to lift due to having extra weight on them.
