It's very important for everyone to know the signs of a heart attack so that they can help themselves and others if needed. It's also important to remember that sometimes the symptoms of a heart attack can mimic other conditions.

Signs:

. Chest pains can be felt anywhere in the chest area and can be sharp or dull

. Pressure in your chest

. Pain that radiates down the left arm or up the left jaw line

. Pain in the stomach area that is like indigestion

. Shortness of breath

. Feeling nauseous or vomiting

. Breaking out in a cold sweat

. Feeling faint or losing consciousness

. Paleness of the skin

. Heart palpitations

. A feeling of nervousness or doom

Even though you may not be sure whether or not you are having a heart attack it is always best to error on the side of caution and go to the emergency room or call 911. Most doctors agree that taking an aspirin if you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of a heart attack can help you until you are able to get to a hospital.

If heart attacks run in your family it is important to discuss this with your doctor so that you can have the proper testing done to determine if you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack. There are medications that doctors can prescribe if they feel you are a high risk patient.

Even if you are not considered to be at risk of suffering a heart attack it's best to use preventive measures to keep the risk low. Some of these measures include eating healthy, exercising, keep your stress level low, taking a low dose aspirin daily, and following your doctor's orders.

It is essential that everyone learn CPR in order to help others who experience a heart attack. If someone is worried about body fluids there are mouth guards that can be carried on key chains or in purses and pockets that will help keep any bodily fluids from entering your mouth when giving mouth to mouth.