5 Heart Attack Signs You Should Know

By Marina Pink | November 21, 2018 |

Older adults are at a higher risk of having a heart attack. Because age is a risk factor, it’s important that people who are family caregivers for seniors know how to spot a heart attack. Immediate medical attention can reduce complications and save the older adult’s life. Below are 5 signs of a heart attack that you should watch for in your aging relative.

Homecare in Burbank CA: 5 Heart Attack Signs

#1: Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is the symptom most often associated with heart attack. The pain usually occurs in the center of the chest. It isn’t always described as pain. Some people say it feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Regardless of how they describe the feeling, it usually lasts more than a couple of minutes. It can happen either when the person is resting or when they are physically active. The pain can also disappear for a while only to return later.

#2: Stomach Pain, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Nausea

This symptom is more common in women and it does not necessarily mean the older adult is having a heart attack. However, if your aging relative has risk factors for heart attack, it may be best to see a doctor to find out what is causing the problem.

#3: Upper Body Discomfort

The pain and discomfort of a heart attack can spread to other parts of the upper body. A person having a heart attack might feel pain in one arm or in both of them. They might also feel pain or discomfort in their neck, jaw, or back.

#4: Dizziness

A feeling of dizziness can be caused by many things, such as standing too quickly. However, if it is accompanied by other signs of a heart attack, the senior should be seen by a doctor immediately. Dizziness can be caused by a drop in blood pressure because of the heart’s inability to pump effectively.

#5: Cold Sweat

If the older adult suddenly begins to sweat without an apparent reason, it could be a sign of a heart attack. If a cold sweat happens along with any other symptom of a heart attack, call for emergency medical assistance.

If your aging relative shows signs of a heart attack, an elderly care provider can call 9-1-1 to get the immediate medical attention. After a heart attack, elderly care can help the older adult at home during the recovery period. Elderly care providers can allow seniors to rest while they assist with housekeeping duties and prepare meals. Elderly care providers can also prepare heart-healthy meals that conform to the doctor’s advice and remind the older adult to take their medications.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Burbank, CA please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

Sources

http://www.heart.org

https://www.webmd.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.