Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

and Stroke


Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Signs and Symptoms


In Kansas, more than half of the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) deaths and nearly half of the stroke deaths occur before patients reach a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility. Substantial advancement has been made in the diagnosis and treatment modalities for CHD and stroke over the last decade. Timely utilization of these diagnostic techniques and treatment advancements can lead to an increased chance of survival for an individual suffering from heart attack or stroke. Prompt access and receipt of these advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities depends, to some extent, on the early recognition of the symptoms of heart attack or stroke and taking immediate action by calling emergency services (9-1-1 services). Thus, it is very important to know all signs/symptoms of heart attack and stroke so as to take immediate action to seek medical attention.

Sign and Symptoms of Heart Attack:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in neck, jaw or back
  • Pain or discomfort in arm or shoulder
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness, lightheadedness, faintness, cold sweats

Sign and Symptoms of Stroke:

  • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
  • Sudden numbness/weakness of face, arm (one or both), or leg (one or both)
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

The data from 2005 Kansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reported that only 13% of adults were able to correctly identify all signs/symptoms of heart attack and only 11% of adults correctly identified all signs/symptoms of heart attack and indicated they would call 9-1-1 if someone is having a heart attack. About 23% of adults identified all the signs/symptoms of stroke and 20% correctly identified all signs/symptoms of stroke and indicated they would call 9-1-1 if someone is having a stroke. These percentages were even lower among African Americans, Hispanics, adults in younger age groups, adults with lower education level, and current smokers.

Efforts are needed to increase public awareness for identification of the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke and the need to call emergency services (9-1-1 services) immediately.