Because of the quick actions of McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine faculty member and Pirates fan Christopher Post, MD, PhD, FACS, a Cincinnati Reds fan is alive today. During a recent baseball game at PNC Park, Dr. Post, Director, Allegheny Pediatric ENT Associates Allegheny General Hospital, noticed a man 40 feet away having difficulty breathing and subsequently slumped over in his seat with his face turning gray. This behavior prompted the physician within Dr. Post, who then immediately rushed over to perform CPR and chest compressions. Soon PNC Park staff members and paramedics arrived with a portable defibrillator, one of more than a dozen in the ballpark.
The man, Charles Trimble, was taken via ambulance to the hospital where he continued to improve and after a few days was discharged home. Through tears and wearing a Pirates hat, Mr. Trimble described how thankful he was to Dr. Post for responding so quickly. "He was a total stranger, and I'm just fortunate that he was in attendance and knew what to do," he said.
Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — like the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Read more…