Heart Attack & Stroke Awareness
Recognize the warning signs
Heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke are life-threatening emergencies where every minute matters. Recognizing symptoms early and calling 911 immediately gives PFPD paramedics the best chance to help — and gives you or your loved one the best chance at recovery.
Heart attack, cardiac arrest & stroke
Heart Attack
Chest Discomfort
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Upper Body Pain
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
Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Unresponsiveness
The person collapses and does not respond to tapping on the shoulders or shouting.
No Normal Breathing
When you tilt the head up and check for at least 5 seconds, the person is not breathing normally — they may be gasping or not breathing at all.
Stroke
Face Drooping
One side of the face droops or is numb. Ask the person to smile — is it uneven?
Arm Weakness
One arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms — does one drift downward?
Speech Difficulty
Speech is slurred or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to Call 911
If the person shows any of these symptoms — even if they go away — call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.
The F.A.S.T. test is the fastest way to recognize a stroke and take action. Anyone can perform it — no medical training required.
Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time
If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away. Note when symptoms first appeared.
Heart attack vs. cardiac arrest
People often confuse these two emergencies, but they are different conditions that require different responses.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents blood from reaching a section of the heart muscle. The heart usually continues beating.
Symptoms develop over time — minutes, hours, or even days. The person is typically conscious and may describe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort.
What to do: Call 911. Have the person sit or lie down. If not allergic, have them chew an aspirin.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. Blood stops flowing to the brain and organs.
Onset is sudden — the person collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally. Without immediate intervention, death can occur in minutes.
What to do: Call 911. Begin hands-only CPR immediately — push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Use an AED if available.
Understanding blood pressure
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Know your numbers and talk to your doctor about managing your blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Systolic (top number) | Diastolic (bottom number) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Elevated | 120–129 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130–139 mm Hg | 80–89 mm Hg |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | 140 mm Hg or higher | 90 mm Hg or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 mm Hg | Higher than 120 mm Hg |
Source: American Heart Association. A hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical attention — call 911.