Prince George, BC – As 'Heart Month' draws to a close this week, the BC Ambulance Service is urging people to learn the 'secret signs' of a heart attack to ensure they don't waste time in seeking medical help.

BCAS Vice President of Medical Programs, Dr William Dick says, "A heart attack occurs when blockages in arteries restric the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.  As blood flow stops, the heart cells start to die and cannot regenerate like other parts of the body."

Dr Dick says not all people experience heart attack in the same way – many don't know they're having one until it's too late.  He says while chest pain is often the primary symptom, other secret signs are:  shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, tiredness and lightheadedness.

"In these situations, it's essential to save time and heart muscle," says the BC Ambulance Service spokesperson.  "Getting a patient to the right care at the right time can be a matter of life and death."

Dr Dick says don't worry about false alarms, call 911 so BCAS call takers and paramedics can begin diagnosis and treatment right away.  Paramedic Julien Ponsioen says, "I've seen too many cases where patients have waited too long to call 911.  Paramedics are specially trained and have access to equipment that allows us to diagnose a heart attack and begin treatment right at the patient's side."

Ponsioen adds, "Once we arrive at hospital, vital information can be relayled to cardiologists, so they have a better idea where to start looking for blocked arteries and can treat patients faster."