Senior Living Specialists at St. Barnabas Health System Offer Tips for What to Do if You Have a Heart Attack and You're Alone

    PITTSBURGH, PA, May 29, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The experts at St. Barnabas Medical Center offer advice on what you should do if you happen to have a heart attack with no one around. St. Barnabas Health System is a retirement living community known for easy access to exceptional health care on our campuses.

Thousands of people suffer from cardiac arrest every year, and many are not in the presence of others at the time. Despite the increased severity of the situation, with a few simple steps you can improve your odds of survival and contact the nearest hospital.

Be Prepared
Even a precaution as simple as having a card that lists all the medications you are on and the ones that you are allergic to can help medical professionals treat you properly and quickly. Another effective tool is a medical alert system that can contact emergency help for you in case you can't get to the phone.

Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack
One of the most effective things you can do is to recognize the warning signs. A heart attack is characterized by any immediate stop in blood flow, and there are many factors, including smoking, consumption of alcohol, poor family health history and more, that can contribute to this condition.

According to Robin Taylor, Director of Public Relations for St. Barnabas Health System, "Cardiac arrest can come on very quickly and is typically preceded by abnormal sweating, pain in the neck or limbs, a sudden shortness of breath and feelings of nausea. If you ever experience one or more of these symptoms seemingly at random, call 911."

Remember that you should never try and drive yourself to the hospital, no matter how close it may be, if you are experiencing heart attack symptoms.

St. Barnabas Health System is well-known for its assisted living and skilled nursing facilities as well as in-home care and hospice care. You can find out more about the company by visiting http://www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

About St. Barnabas Health System:

Founded in 1901, St. Barnabas Health System is one of the largest senior care providers in Pennsylvania. Our four campuses in the Pittsburgh area offer a variety of residential options, ensuring the perfect fit for every senior. We provide independent retirement and assisted living, and nursing, hospice and memory care, as well as medical attention from our own medical center.

To learn more, head to http://www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

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