Heart attacks are caused by interruption of blood supply to part of the heart resulting in stopping oxygen supply to the heart. The interrupted oxygen flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. If someone or you have a heart attack, here’s how to get through it.
A heart attack usually causes chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes, although it can sometimes occur with no symptoms at all. Many people who experience a heart attack have warning signs hours or days in advance.
Symptoms of Heart Attack
Below are the symptoms to know if you’re suffering from a heart attack-
Uncomfortable pressure, Pain in the center of the chest
Discomfort or discomfort moving from the chest to the shoulders, neck, mouth, teeth, one or both arms
Shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, Sweating, Nausea.
What to do with heart attack patient?
Below are the things a person can do if someone may be having a heart attack
Call an ambulance or your nearest hospital emergency number as soon as possible. If you are alone and find it difficult to contact an emergency number, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. The sooner a person arrives at the emergency room, the better are the chances of survival and lowers the degree of cardiac damage
Swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin
Allow the person to get into the position that he/she is most comfortable in
Try to stay as calm as possible. Anxiety increases the heart’s need for oxygen and worsens a heart attack.
Not everyone who has a heart attack needs CPR because not all heart attacks cause the heart to stop beating. Begin CPR if the person who might be having a heart attack and he or she is unconscious.
What not to do in case of a heart attack?
Do not deny the symptoms and convince yourself to not call for emergency help.
Do not apply pressure on the chest or cough repeatedly. This is a myth that at the time of heart attack, applying pressure or coughing helps in restoring normal heart beat.
Eating and drinking during a heart attack is discouraged as far as possible because heart attack sufferers have a high chance of vomiting and hence may choke or vomit.
What are controllable risk factors for a heart attack?
Prevention is always better than cure. Take the following steps to control the risk factors associated with cardiac attack/disease:-
Quit smoking
Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels in good control
Exercise regularly to improve heart health
Go for a heart-healthy diet
Limit your alcohol intake.