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Division of Chronic Disease > Healthy Maine Partnerships > Maine Cardiovascular Health Program > Signs and Symptoms

 

Heart Attack Stroke    

Signs and Symptoms

Heart Attack

Heart attacks may not be like what you see in the movies, sudden and intense. Many heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.

Know the signs of heart attack.
Don’t miss a beat.

Heart Attack Warning Signs
 

  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back

  • Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders
  • Shortness of breath
  

* Women often report symptoms of discomfort rather than pain.

At the fist sign of heart attack,
Call 911 Immediately!
Don’t miss a beat!

 

Heart Attack Risks

To reduce your risk of having a heart attack, you need to be aware of heart attack risk factors. Some cannot be controlled: family history, increasing age, ethnicity and male gender. However other risk factors can be prevented or controlled.

These include:

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure (140/90 or higher. Optimal is less than 120/80.)
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Being overweight or obese

Just because you have risk factors, a heart attack does not have to happen. Pay special attention to risk factors you can control.

Stroke

 

Face Stroke Before It Faces You

Stroke Warning Signs

Knowing the signs of a stroke can help you or someone you know get quick treatment. Warning signs of stroke usually appear very suddenly and there is often more than one. Warning signs include:

 

  • Numbness in the face, arm or leg

  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or loss of vision
  • Severe headache
  

At the fist sign of stroke,
Call 911 Immediately!
Time lost is brain lost!

Stroke Risks

To reduce your risk, you need to be aware of stroke risk factors. Some can not be controlled: family history, increasing age, ethnicity and having a TIA (mini stroke). However other risk factors can be prevented or controlled.

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • High blood pressure (140/90 or higher. Optimal is less than 120/80.)

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