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Heart Attack : Know What To Do |
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A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not get the blood it needs for its nourishment. The heart depends on special blood vessels, called coronary arteries, to supply it with nutrition and oxygen. If these arteries become blocked, then the part of the heart that depends on them can become injured or die. Permanent injuries to the heart muscle cause a heart attack.
A heart attack is the most common cause of death in the western world. Every minute of the day someone dies from a heart attack. Early treatment is crucial for heart attack victims. Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a life if the heart stops. Quick treatment with medications that break up blood clots can greatly improve a person's chance of surviving a heart attack. Since early treatment makes a difference, it is important to know the early signs of a heart attack. The most common sign is chest pain or chest discomfort. OTHER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR ARE: - An uncomfortable squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
- A chest pain that also goes to the arms, shoulders, back, or neck.
- Chest pain with sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- New chest pain in a person who has already had a heart attack.
Not all these warning signs will occur. If any of these signs last more than a few minutes, take immediate action, by calling 000. A HEART ATTACK IS A SERIOUS EMERGENCY. IF YOU THINK A PERSON IS HAVING A HEART ATTACK, FOLLOW THIS EMERGENCY PLAN: - Call for emergency help by dialing 000. Remain on the line. Do not take the person to a hospital in your own car.
- Be calm and take actions that make the victim feel less excited.
- Have the victim sit or lie down. Give them a tablet containing aspirin .
- Ask the person if they take any medications for chest pain, such as nitroglycerin. Give one tablet or spray under the tongue and repeat the dose if the pain does not settle.
- If the person stops breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Tell the 000 operator that this has happened.
- If the pulse stops, begin CPR. Continue until help arrives.
For more information about giving CPR and other life-saving skills, contact St John's Ambulance. Article #6138 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
