Heart disease is one of the top killers of Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, in 2005 alone, more than 71,000 people died of major cardiovascular diseases. Chances of survival decrease drastically the longer a person waits to get medical attention.

February is Heart Month and St. John Ambulance says it’s important for people to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Knowing these signs and symptoms can spell the difference between life and death: