Avoiding a Heart Attack

Know the warning signs of a heart attack, so you can get help right away. Acting quickly can save lives.

Get help fast if you experience:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or burning pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes


• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw


• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath


• Chest discomfort that may be mistaken for nausea


• Chest discomfort that may be accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms

Not all heart attack symptoms occur in every individual situation. If some occur, get help fast, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Also, take an uncoated aspirin if you think you're having a heart attack. Aspirin makes blood less likely to clot.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked (often by a blood clot). Coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly become clogged from a build-up of cells, fat and cholesterol called plaque. Blood trying to flow through these clogged arteries can form a clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle receiving blood from that artery begins to die.

Schedule your free heart screening courtesy of BJC Christian Hospital NE
-- a $75 value -- which includes:

• Risk assessment


• Blood pressure check


• Cholesterol test
  
  If you are at risk for heart disease, our affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine ensures you'll receive the best possible care.
  
  You'll also receive a Heart Attack Prevention Kit packed with heart-saving advice.
  
  Call 314.747.WELL (314.747.9355) or toll-free 877.747.9355,
  or request a call from an event specialist to schedule a screening
  and receive your kit.

Offer expires July 31, 2007