George, what are some of the warning signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke?
[Dr. George] The warning signs of a heart attack are often chest discomfort, which some people describe as a feeling like an uncomfortable pressure or squeezing, fullness, or pain in their chest. They may also experience pain in their neck, their back, their shoulders, their arms, their jaw, or even in their stomach. People often experience shortness of breath, and they may break out in a cold sweat and feel light-headed. For a stroke, we often think the warning signs relate to the word sudden, such as sudden confusion or trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; sudden trouble seeing; sudden trouble walking, with dizziness or loss of balance. They may have a very sudden severe headache. The important thing to remember when you experience any of these signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1. [Susan Laird] Dr. George, Ive often heard that women have different symptoms when theyre having a heart attack. Is that true? [Dr. George] They may. They may fee
