It is especially important to be aware of the symptoms of heart attack or stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States.

However, just as important as knowing about the symptoms is acknowledging that you are experiencing them.

"Time is muscle" is a saying that means the longer you delay seeking treatment for heart attack symptoms, the more damage your heart will sustain. The same is true for stroke; the longer you delay seeking help, the greater your chance for serious disability or death.

• Call 911 if you experience:
• A sensation of pressure or pain in the chest, either when you are at rest or active
• Pain radiating down an arm (often the left arm) or to the jaw
• Other symptoms may include sweating, weakness or shortness of breath

In women, heart attack symptoms sometimes differ from that of men. They may include:

• Sudden weakness
• A slight pressure in the chest, or pressure to the back or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations

Patients already diagnosed with and receiving treatment for the heart condition known as angina pectoris should seek emergency treatment if they experience a new type of pain, or increased intensity or frequency of pain.

Heart attacks occur when a clot blocks an already-narrowed artery in the heart, cutting off the flow of blood. Fortunately, clot-busting medications, together with inventions such as balloon angioplasty and bypass surgery, have made this condition treatable, as long as treatment is sought immediately.

Know the Symptoms
Call 911 immediately should you experience any symptoms.