85% of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. Early care is knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack.
EARLY HEART ATTACK CARE (EHAC) IS:
- A campaign to educate everyone as to what the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack are in order to prevent a heart attack from occurring, which prevents heart muscle damage.
- A plea to be responsible for yourself and those around you who may have early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Urge them to seek immediate treatment.
- An education program that concentrates on the benefits of receiving early treatment and activating EMS quickly – Call 911
EHAC EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK ARE:
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Shortness of breath
- Back/jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
HOW IS EHAC DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROGRAMS?
- Unlike promotion of the signs and symptoms of an impending heart attack, the EHAC initiative encourages early recognition when symptoms may be mild
- Approximately 50 percent of people experiencing these early symptoms may be able to prevent a heart attack if they receive early treatment before any damage to the heart can occur!