Early Warning Signs of Heart Attack or Stroke
A few weeks ago I spent a couple of hours at the ER because my left arm was having severe aching from my shoulder to the elbow. The pain then radiated down to my wrist. I knew this was one of the early warning signs of heart attack or stroke. I started getting involuntary spasms in my right arm clear up to my lower lip. My husband dialed 911.
I called a good doctor friend from out of town, who I often go to for medical advice, and he told me I needed to go to the ER to rule out a heart attack. “The least they’ll do is send you back home, but then you’ll know.”
I had felt light headed earlier in the morning, and on the way to the ER I was nausiated. I had several of the warning signs.
At the ER
After an EKG, the doctor administering some heavy pain and anti-inflammation medications, and a couple of hours later, I was sent home with prescriptions for some pain pills andand anti-inflammation pills. Whew, it was only bursitus.
I have heart arrhythmia which is kept in check by a pacemaker, so I have been made well aware of the symptoms of a heart attack. Not to mention that my husband had almost died from a heart attack ten years before.
So I don’t mess around when it comes to heart attack symptoms.
I have a few medicines that I am allergic to and so I am always alert to my sensitivity to meds. Consequently, I look for alternative steps to take instead of medications, where ever possible.
Using alternatives
About 35 years ago I learned about some magnets to wear in the shoes which helped my peripheral neuropathy symptoms immensely. I still have a good pulse at my ankles. and the jabby prickly pains from neuropathy are seldom felt. I have often used a smaller magnet on painful areas.
So the thought occurred to me, to try using those shoe magnets on my arm. I laid them on the bed, Under my arm and crazy as it sounds, the pain was gone next morning. And I didn’t have to use more than one pain or inflammation pill after my ER "dry run" to the hospital.
I remember making "dry run" to the hospital when I was ready to deliver some of my children. I hated to go there only to be told that I was not in labor. So you have to know how reluctant I was to go unnecessarily to the ER.
Heart attack warning signs
What are the Signs of a heart attack or stroke?
The American heart Association States:
“ know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke”
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper back
- Pain or numbing in the left arm
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking into a cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Minutes matter!
Learn the signs, but remember: even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Best action can save lives – maybe your own. Don’t wait - call 911 or your emergency response number.“ ....American heart Association
This was my own experience. I am not a medical advisor, nor do I give medical advice! But The American Medical Association makes it pretty clear.
I share this experience with you in the hope that one of you reading this will have the knowledge and courage to act and perhaps even save yours or one of your loved ones' life.
When all is said and done, when it comes to symptoms of a heart attack, it’s better to be safe, and embarrassed than sorry, with regrets.
I would love to hear your experience and comments below.
Recent Comments
25
Hi Linda, I had a colleague who died of a heart attack without warning apparently. Maybe he did have symptoms but did not share them with his colleagues. As you say time matters in that situation, Alan
Yes, my husband all but died when he had a heart attack and didn't know it. His heart rate was clear down to 7 ejection factor, which according to one doctor is "nearly dead." He had nothing but leg cramping pain.
We were a whole month before getting into have an angiogram, from his pain to theprocedure, due to scheduling, and the doctors not knowing his heart rate was low.
One never knows, and doctors make mistakes too. It's best to question anything abnormal if it could have anything to do with blood circulation or the heart. Linda
I feel the importance of everyone knowing the early warning signs of a heart attack. So many younger people are being afflicted as our diets get worse and worse. Thanks for reading my post. Best wishes. Linda
That is so true Linda, these things could also happen at younger age. Certainly because of unhealthy habits the youth has. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.Glad you are much better now! Best wishes. Menka
You're welcome. Thanks for your comments. We are grateful to modern day miracle drugs in my husband's case, and natural food supplements in my case. Both of us have been granted more time here because of them and the Lord willing.
Linda
Yes, certainly you have been allowed more time:)How ever mysterious that is.. Perhaps for becoming really succesful and helping and advising lots of people! Among other things of course.
Glad you agree. That's sure the way I look at it. My mission is to help as many as I can thru the experiences I have been granted and the understanding experience gives me. I am no health professional, but I can certainly share my experiences.
Good message, and one I will heed.
I need to start using my Magsteps again (the magnetic foot pads). I wore them for years...was a Nikken distributor for 10 years. I love their products.
I agree -- safe is better.
I didn't know whether to say Nikken or not in my article. But yes, they were Nikken Magsteps. I have a little round one that I've used on sore spots many times.
Enjoy your weekend!
Linda
Thanks for all this advices.
In women heart attack are more difficult to detect.
The mother of a friend had a horrible stomach ache.
In the hospital the doctor thought it was a bad digestion.
Luckily when she was leaving the hospital
she lost cousciousness right in front of a nurse and they understood what happen after several exams.
She could have lost her life.
Have a great day!
Ingrid
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. This woman was very fortunate to have passed out where she did.
Best wishes.
Linda
The problem is that heart attacks affect people differently. Some do not get chest pain at all but feel 'out of sorts'. The best advice if you feel really ill call an ambulance.
Yes, my husband had no chest pain, but he had excruciating pain in his leg. We didn't even realize he had a heart attack until years later when they were trying to put in a pacemaker and the surgeon found his heart was scarred from a heart attack.
I'm glad my article was helpful for you. I was reluctant to go to ER at first, but my husband and the EMT's convinced me I should go. It is amazing how unwilling our minds can be.
Best wishes
Linda
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Thank you Linda for the informative post.:) Hope you are much better now,must have been quite a shock! Warm greetings Menka
Yes, it really concerned me when I had quite a few of the symptoms. I believe in taking charge of my own health and so I immediately took a baby aspirin and a half hour later another whole food supplement that would have brought my BP down. By the time I arrived at the ER, it was just a matter of waiting till they sent me back home. lol
AH,that is wonderful news Linda, sorry for the delay of responding.:) warm greetings Menka
Thanks for your response. Linda