Four Warning Signs of a Heart Attack That You Never Saw Coming

There are four warning signs of a heart attack that most Americans know nothing about. As a matter of fact, when surveyed on recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, Americans get a near-failing grade in a new study by the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

According to cardiovascular disease expert Dr. Chauncey Crandall, the reason people don’t recognize certain warning signs is because they don’t even notice them. What’s scary is that 25 percent of all heart attacks occur after these things happen.

The problem is, the longer treatment is delayed, the greater the decrease in the amount of heart muscle that can be saved, leading to irreversible damage or even death. The most critical period for survival occurs within the first hour of a heart attack. Cardiologists refer to this as the "golden hour."

According to the American Heart Association, there are actually procedures that can stop heart attacks in progress, thus minimizing any cardiovascular damage and ultimately saving a life. This is why the “golden hour” is so important; however, what YOU do in that period is what really matters.

Here’s the catch. Most people don’t react to their symptoms in that timeframe. Why? Because they don’t even recognize the warning signs — or worse, they’re afraid to go to the emergency room only to find it was a false alarm. They’re afraid of the embarrassing possibility that what they thought was a heart attack was really just an overzealous meatball they shouldn’t have eaten anyway.

So even if you think you MIGHT be experiencing the possible warning signs of a heart attack, trying to ride it out at home while swearing off meatballs could result in devastating and potentially irreversible consequences. Recognize the warning signs and act quickly — embarrassment in the ER will pass, but a heart attack or death could be permanent.

If you experience what you think might be one of the warning signs of a heart attack, the first thing to do is call 9-1-1. It’s the fastest way to get critical medical attention, regardless of how major or minor your warning signs are. Never drive yourself to the emergency room! Heart attack patients who arrive by ambulance always receive faster treatment. If the ER staff sees you can walk in on your own, you could wind up sitting in the waiting room well past the “golden hour.”

To clear up the confusion surrounding the hidden warning signs of silent heart attacks, Dr. Crandall has created a special video presentation to promote public awareness, teach immediate action steps, and ultimately help save lives.