Health gem

If you do one thing this week. . . know the symptoms of a heart attack, and act on them

WE ARE all familiar with the Hollywood-style heart attack symptoms, such as a crushing pressure in the chest and pain shooting down the left arm.

But that’s not always the way it goes, particularly in women.

Other symptoms can crop up in various combinations, including shortness of breath, light-headedness, fatigue, upper body pain (in the jaw, neck, arms or back), nausea, sweating and even loss of consciousness.

If you think you are having a heart attack, don’t delay by calling friends, family or your GP.

Call an ambulance and get medical care as quickly as possible. It could save your life.

For more, see the Heart Attack Awareness Campaign at irishheart.ie