Heart attacks are common, but few of us know how to properly deal with them. A heart attack is a fatal medical emergency, and one should seek immediate care. You never know when a heart attack will strike as it could happen anywhere, to you or someone else. Below are some heart attack first aid tips that can save you, your loved one’s life, or a stranger's life.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when one side of the heart does not get a blood supply. Patients make a full recovery and lead quality lives depending on the severity of the attack.
Signs of a heart attack
There are signs that you need to watch out for a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
-Chest pains in the mid-chest that may extend to the jaw or one hand
-Throwing up and feeling queasy
-Paleness
-Difficulties in breathing and gasping for air
-Weakness
-Dizziness and passing out
-What to do when having a heart attack?
When someone experiences a heart attack, it is vital to give first aid while awaiting medical help. Follow the simple steps below.
-Call 911. Call an ambulance to get the patient to a health facility as soon as possible. Heart attacks require a quick response, and delays mean the difference between life and death.
-Sit or lie down. While having a heart attack, you must get into a comfortable position to prevent your heart from overworking. While waiting for the ambulance, loosen tight clothing.
-Keep calm. The signs of a heart attack may awaken too much anxiety. The thought of dying is overwhelming. All this can affect your breathing when your body desperately needs oxygen. Try not to think of all the bad things that can happen and focus on waiting for help.
-Take Nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a medication that opens your blood vessels so that your heart does not have to do so much work. It is a common medication for people with problems like high blood pressure, anal fissures and to treat painful periods.
What to do when someone else is having a heart attack
When someone suddenly starts showing signs of a heart attack, you must follow the following guide.
-Call 911 and explain the situation. Answer the questions and provide all the information needed.
-Get them to a comfortable position and loosen any fitting clothing.
-Perform CPR. If the patient suddenly collapses and stops breathing, you must perform CPR. The term stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You perform chest compressions to the chest at 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Perform a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Either way, you can thump the patient’s mid-chest with your hands until help arrives or they wake up. You may not administer CPR to a child less than eight years of age.
Learn ACLS by top professionals to know how to handle cardiovascular emergencies. It can help to save a life.
Endnote
Medical knowledge comes in handy when you have an emergency. First aid can help save a life. Proper knowledge and training on how to perform the procedures can be the difference between life and death.
Lora Y