February is not just the month of love; it is also celebrated as Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to promoting cardiovascular wellness. ​At United Medevac Solutions, Inc. (UMS), we recognize the vital role that emergency medical personnel play as the unsung heroes in the fight against heart disease.​ The heart is more than a muscle; it is the motor that keeps your life going, and its care should be a priority for everyone.

Awareness of heart attack symptoms plays a foundational role in ensuring prompt recognition and response. The early identification of myocardial infarction symptoms is critical for timely access to lifesaving emergency cardiac care. With approximately 920,000 heart attacks occurring annually in the U.S. and nearly half of cardiac deaths occurring within the first hour, recognizing symptoms can significantly affect treatment outcomes.

The Role of Emergency Personnel

Paramedics and emergency medical personnel are often the first line of defense during cardiac emergencies. Their specialized expertise and timely interventions are crucial in saving lives. Essential strategies include frequent CPR skills refreshment courses, mastering the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and understanding new protocols in heart attack management. As UMS stays updated with the latest practices, we ensure that we act confidently and efficiently during emergencies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Tips to Safeguard Heart Health

Monitor Your Lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, and mindful lifestyle choices are fundamental to keep optimal heart health. Incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, choosing low-sodium and low-fat meals, and cutting down on tobacco and alcohol are pivotal recommendations.

Be Aware: Recognize symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and unusual weakness, and act quickly to seek medical assistance. Individuals diagnosed with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular-related diseases can misattribute heart attack symptoms to their existing conditions, leading them to delay seeking medical attention. Recognizing heart attack symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention and improving survival rates.​

Key Symptoms to Look Out For

• Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
• Shortness of Breath: This may occur with or without chest discomfort and can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety.
• Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort may radiate to the shoulders, neck, arms, back, or jaw, which is often overlooked.
• Other Symptoms: Symptoms such as nausea, cold sweat, or light-headedness can also indicate a heart attack.

UMS Cares about Heart Health

UMS aims to not only provide life-saving care, but also to improve public recognition of heart attack symptoms is a critical component of cardiovascular health strategies. Our proactive approach can ultimately lead to quicker responses, minimizing delays in treatment and enhancing survival rates.