What Are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

When many people think of a heart attack, their impressions are based on movies and television. They think that everything happens at once and that the victim will experience a sudden, intense pain in their chest, and then collapse. This, however, is not an accurate representation of what actually happens during a heart attack. While there are heart attacks that are very dramatic and that can occur with little to no warning, in many cases there are warning signs that indicate that a heart attack may occur soon.

Home Health Care Manhattan Beach CA – What Are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

Recognizing these warning signs can enable you to protect your parent and ensure that they get the medical support and attention that they need to guard their health and help them through this serious event.

Some of the warning signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest discomfort that can feel like squeezing, pressure, or pain. It generally occurs in the center of the chest and can go away and come back over the course of several minutes. This does not necessarily mean intense pain or pain that occurs “all at once”.
• Discomfort that occurs in other parts of the body, such as the jaw, upper torso, neck, or arm. Back pain and stomach pain can also be a warning sign of a heart attack.
• Shortness of breath that can occur both with and without chest discomfort. It is particularly important to note shortness of breath that occurs when your parent is not physically exerting themselves.
• Lightheadedness.
• Cold sweat.
• Nausea.

If your parent starts to exhibit these warning signs, it is important to take them seriously. Take note of when they started, what was happening when they started, and how your parent responded to them, then get in touch with your parent’s doctor or emergency medical assistance. Chest pain is a medical emergency and warrants a call to 911 or a visit to the emergency room.

If your aging parent has been dealing with challenges and needs that have become too much for you to handle efficiently due to your own schedule, other obligations, or limitations, or you simply feel that your parent would benefit from additional care and support, starting home health care for them may be the ideal solution. A home health care services provider will tailor a set of highly personalized services specifically to your aging parent’s needs to ensure that they can manage these issues in the way that is best for them.

These services can help your parent to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy, while also encouraging them to stay as independent as possible as they age in place. If you live at a distance from your parent or are in the sandwich generation and also care for your children, these services can be particularly beneficial as they ensure that when you must focus your energy and attention on something else, your parent will still get the care that they need to maintain their health, safety, and quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Manhattan Beach CA, please contact the caring staff at 1Heart Caregiver Services today.