Knowing when to call for help
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat. Many of us couldn’t identify the symptoms of a heart attack if our lives depended on it – which, often, they do. Knowing them is crucial for getting emergency treatment – and, with a heart attack, you need that fast. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at national survey data on who could recognize the five symptoms and knew to call for help. The study was in Ethnicity and Disease Journal. The CDC’s Henraya McGruder: ``Knowledge of signs and symptoms, and the need to call 911 is still very low, especially among African-Americans and Hispanics.’’ (7 seconds) Here’s what to look for: - Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in an arm or shoulder
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint.
Learn more at hhs.gov. HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss. Last revised: June, 02 2008 | 
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