Growing concerns over COVID-19 have health care organizations worldwide making vast changes _ from postponing procedures to visitation restrictions. Consumers are being asked to limit emergency room visits. But every day, people have medical emergencies that may require urgent intervention.
"You should not go to the emergency room for every sniffle or cold, but there are things that warrant medical attention and should not be ignored," says Dr. David A. Miller, director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
While people with preexisting conditions are at a higher risk to develop more severe consequence to COVID-19, which may include shortness of breath, it's also important to recognize respiratory issues may be a sign of a heart attack, too. "If you experience symptoms consistent with a heart attack or stroke, it's important not to ignore them. There are treatments for heart attack and strokes that are effective if they are initiated in a short time after the symptoms start."
Call 911 if you have these signs or symptoms of a stroke:
Sudden trouble with speaking and understanding
Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg
Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes
Severe, sudden headache
Dizziness, vomiting or altered consciousness
Trouble walking or maintaining balance
Also call 911 if you experience these signs or symptoms of heart attack:
Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spreadto your neck, jaw or back
Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat
Fatigue
Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
"If you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Call 911 or your medicalprovider," says Dr. Miller.
