Reality check: in the time it takes you to vigorously rub your hands with soap, while properly washing your hands, one person will have experienced a coronary event and in the time it takes you to wash your hands from beginning to end one person will die from one.

In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack.  Pharmacists should take the opportunity during American Heart Month to educate patients about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.  This recognition will result in the patient getting medical attention sooner, which will result in better outcomes because time is muscle.  Take a moment to share the following warning signs of a heart attack with patients:

Chest discomfort

Discomfort in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body

Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
 

Shortness of breath

May occur with or without chest discomfort.
 

Other signs

Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

The American Heart Association, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the American Red Cross, and the National Council on Aging have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign.  The goal of the “Act in Time” campaign is to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms. A link to the campaign may be found here.  Resources are also available on the website to help educate patients.

Don’t forget to show support for women’s heart disease awareness on National Wear Red Day, which is Friday, February 5, by wearing red. National Wear Red Day promotes the Red Dress symbol.

The Center for Disease Control Feature – February is American Heart Month may be found here.

The American Heart Association may be found here.

The National Wear Red Day Toolkit may be found here.