Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death. In 2016, 17.6 million people died from CVDs, comprising 31% of global mortality.- World Health Organization, 2016
The prevalence of heart disease and stroke has increased to a large extent. Talking about India, Coronary Heart Disease death in the country reached 1,608,651 or 18.25% of total deaths. (WHO, 2018)
This blog post talks about how to respond to aheart attack emergencyso that lives can be saved. Read on to know more!
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart stops. The blockage mostly happens due to buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances. These substances form a plaque in the arteries. In some cases, a plaque can rupture and become a clot that blocks the flow of blood.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Before we begin to know what to do in a heart attack emergency, it is crucial to know about its symptoms. Signs that are the possible indicators of a heart attack are:
- Chest pain that begins in the middle of the chest and spreads to your neck, jaw, ears, arms or wrist
- Feeling sick
- Sweating
- Feeling restless or panicky
- Looking pale
- Breathlessness or coughing
- Heart beating faster than usual
- Feeling dizzy
- Experiencing pain similar to indigestion
How to respond to a heart attack emergency?
Call for emergency help
The very first thing that you can do to assist the patient in a heart attack emergency is calling for the nearest medical help. Tell them you think someone is having a heart attack and needs immediate help.
Tip: Keep the helpline numbers of the nearest hospitals saved in your mobile phones.
Make the casualty sit comfortably
Shift your focus to the casualty and make them sit comfortably. The best position is on the floor with knees bent. Head and shoulders should be well-supported. You can also place cushions behind them and under the knees to support them.
Tip: Pacify them by telling them that medical help is on its way.
Give them aspirin tablet (300mg)
Once they are sitting in a comfortable position, give them an aspirin tablet (300mg) and ask them to chew it. However, do not give it to them if they are below 16 years of age or are allergic to it.
Tip: Tell them to chew the tablet slowly.
Ask them to take angina medication
Angina feels like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. Ask the casualty to take their own angina medication provided it has been prescribed to them by the specialist earlier.
Tip: Don’t give the medicine if it is not prescribed.
Monitor the casualty’s response continuously
Stay around the casualty and keep monitoring their response. If you feel that they are becoming unresponsive, you need to become proactive to start CPR.
If you know CPR, then begin chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. You can begin rescue breathing after 30 compressions.
If you don’t know CPR, then you can follow a simple technique of pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Use AED, if available
You can use an Automatic External Defibrillator. Follow the instructions on the AED device and it will automatically determine if the victim needs an electrical shock. In case the casualty doesn’t need electrical shocks, the device will not shock them. You can always keep yourself updated on how such a device is used because times are uncertain.
Each second counts!
Time is precious and it becomes even more precious when a person suffers a heart attack. Whether it’s you or someone around you who goes through it, you have to understand that every second counts. The more time you wait, the more likely you are to put a life in danger.
A heart attack emergency treatment can save a life provided the casualty gets it in time. If you are the one to have suffered a heart attack or someone around you, things can always be controlled if the right measures are taken.
Why Choose Narad Hospital For Heart Attack Treatment?
Narad Hospital is a name that is trusted for premium healthcare services and treats its patients with care and compassion. On contacting our heart specialist in Hoshiarpur, you will get to know how our treatment can treat your heart and bring your life back to normalcy after a heart attack.
Don’t delay in contacting us if you think that the symptoms indicate a heart attack. Our team of doctors will get into action immediately. For us, every life matters and we will give our best to keep your cardiac health at its highest.
