NIH Radio
Heart Attack Topic at NIHSeniorhealth.gov
Brief Description:
You can get some practical tips on recognizing the signs of a heart attack and what to do if you think you might be having one on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov.
Transcript:
Akinso: Imagine you're sitting in your comfy recliner watching your favorite TV comedy. Suddenly you notice pain, pressure or discomfort in your chest. At first you tell yourself that it's from laughing so hard. But time passes and the discomfort continues. You remember hearing or reading somewhere that this could be the sign of a heart attack. Do you wait it out and hope you feel better? Or do you call 911? What do you do? You can get some practical tips on recognizing the signs of a heart attack and what to do if you think you might be having one on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov. There you'll find information about prevention, detection, and treatment of a heart attack. Dr. George Sopko, a cardiologist from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health says it's important to recognize the symptoms and know what to do if you think you might be having a heart attack.
Sopko: Number 1 is, recognize new symptoms; don't treat yourself and don't waste the time. Number two quickly ask for help; call 911.
Akinso: Dr. Sopko said each year more than one million people in the U.S. experience a heart attack. Early treatment is vital to avoid permanent heart damage, disability, and even death. The NIH Senior Health website was jointly developed by the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine for older adults and their families. Once again the website is www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland.
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