Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.* Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.
A Home Instead CAREGiver can help Seniors transition home from the hospital if they’ve had a heart attack. Oftentimes the Senior’s doctor limits what activities they can do around the house – a CAREGiver can help with laundry and other light housekeeping. The Senior may also be weak, so it’s good to have someone around to help them get around the house.
And if the Senior hasn’t had a heart attack, Home Instead CAREGivers can help prevent one by assisting with a walk around the block, transporting them to an exercise class or trying a new activity. A CAREGiver can also remind them to take their cholesterol, blood pressure or other vital medication, or plan and prepare nutritious, heart-healthy meals.
Home Instead Senior Care is located right here in Richmond, Virginia, with a second office in Tappahannock. To arrange a free, no-obligation in-home care appointment, simply call our office at 804.527.1100 anytime. Help for those suffering from heart disease — or those wanting to prevent it — is just around the corner.
*Source: American Heart Association
