A heart attack, medically termed as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical condition arising from the blockage or significant reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Part of the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen because blood vessels are blocked. This blockage is often caused by a clot in an artery. When the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can cause chest pain or, in some cases, no symptoms at all. Quick medical help is needed to clear the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart. If not treated promptly, a heart attack can immediately happen.
So, can you really stop a heart attack? Unfortunately, you can’t stop a heart attack once it’s started nor is there a “fast” treatment. The only way is to get help from a doctor right away. But quick action during a heart attack can help prevent serious damage or even save a life.
Recognizing the Signs of Heart Attack
Recognizing key indicators of a heart attack is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention and potentially preventing severe heart damage. Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Chest pain or discomfort described as pressure, tightness, or heaviness.
- Upper body pain that can radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
- Extreme fatigue, especially in women, are also potential signs.
Calling for Help
You’re going about your day, everything seems normal, and then suddenly, someone nearby appears to have had a heart attack. You call for help, but what crucial information do you need to provide right away? Let’s discuss how you can call for help effectively.
Dial Emergency Services (911 or Local Emergency Number)
In case of an emergency, immediately dial 911 or your local emergency number. Stay calm and clearly communicate the situation to the dispatcher. Provide essential details about the incident, such as a suspected heart attack, and mention if the person is conscious or breathing.
Provide Accurate Location Information
Clearly state your exact location, including the street address, nearby landmarks, or any other identifying information. Precise details help emergency responders reach the scene quickly. If you’re unsure of the address, look around for any signs, landmarks, or businesses that can help pinpoint your location.
Condition of the Person
Inform the dispatcher if the person is conscious, breathing, or responsive. If the person stops breathing or becomes unconscious, the dispatcher can guide you through CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical help arrives.
Stay on the Line and Follow Dispatcher’s Instructions
After providing the necessary information, stay on the line with the dispatcher. They are trained to provide crucial instructions while help is on the way. Listen carefully, follow their guidance, and update them on any changes in the person’s condition. Do not hang up until the dispatcher advises you to do so. Cooperation and clear communication are vital during this critical time.
First Aid for Heart Attack
Administering first aid during a heart attack is vital and can make a significant difference in saving a person’s life. Here are the steps to follow for both conscious and unconscious individuals.
For a Conscious Person Experiencing a Heart Attack
Call Emergency Services
This is the most crucial step. Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately to summon professional medical help. Emergency responders are equipped to handle cardiac emergencies and can provide advanced medical interventions.
Keep the Person Calm
Remaining calm is essential. Encourage the person experiencing a heart attack to sit down and rest in a comfortable position. Anxiety and stress can worsen the situation, so keeping the person as calm as possible can help alleviate some of the distress.
Assist with Medication
If the person is prescribed nitroglycerin and has it available, help them take it as directed. Nitroglycerin is a medication that helps alleviate chest pain by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions.
Loosen Tight Clothing
Heart attack symptoms can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing. Assist the person in loosening any tight clothing, especially around the neck and chest area. This can make it easier for them to breathe and reduce the feeling of constriction.
Monitor Vital Signs
Keep a close watch on the person’s breathing and pulse. Be vigilant for any signs of deterioration, such as irregular breathing or a weak pulse. If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, be prepared to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately. CPR involves chest compressions to maintain blood circulation until professional medical help arrives.
Offer Aspirin (If Available and Not Allergic)
If aspirin is available and the person is not allergic to it, you can offer them aspirin to chew, not swallow whole. Aspirin helps thin the blood and can improve blood flow, potentially reducing the damage to the heart muscle. However, it’s crucial to ensure the person is not allergic to aspirin and has not been advised against taking it based on their medical history.
Performing CPR for Unconscious Individuals (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Check for Responsiveness
Begin by assessing the person’s responsiveness. Gently tap their shoulder and shout loudly, “Are you okay?” If there is no response and you suspect a cardiac arrest, immediately call for emergency medical help.
Position the person
Place the person on their back on a firm surface. If they are lying on a bed or a soft surface, move them to the floor. Ensure their airway is clear and there are no obstructions such as food, vomit, or other objects.
Start Chest Compressions
Kneel beside the person’s chest and place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands. Use your body weight to compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Note: Compression depth varies. The recommended compression depth for adults is a minimum of 5 cm (2 inches). For children, the compression depth should be at least one-third of their chest size, which amounts to 5 cm for a child and 4 cm for an infant.
Allow the Chest to Fully Recoil Between Compressions
After each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil without lifting your hands off the chest. This ensures effective blood circulation.
Combine Chest Compressions with Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
If you are trained in CPR, after 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the person’s head back slightly, pinch their nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give a breath that makes the chest rise visibly. Continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
Continue cycles of compressions and breaths
After giving the two rescue breaths, immediately resume chest compressions. Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Aim for a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Keep performing CPR until help arrives
Only stop performing CPR if one of the following occurs: the person shows signs of life, such as breathing, they begin to move, an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available and is ready to use, you are too exhausted to continue, or a trained medical professional takes over.
Remember, performing CPR can significantly increase the person’s chances of survival, especially if started promptly. If you’re not trained in CPR, providing chest compressions alone is still beneficial until professional help arrives.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
During crucial situations, having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at hand can greatly increase a person’s chances of survival in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and provide step-by-step instructions. However, it is still important to have a basic understanding of how to use an AED in order to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
Here is a general guide on how to use an AED defibrillator:
Locate and retrieve the AED
AEDs are often available in public places, workplaces, schools, and other community settings. If you are in a location where an AED is readily accessible, ask someone to retrieve it while you attend to the person in need. If you are in a remote location, call for emergency medical help first and then retrieve any available AED.
If an AED is Available, Turn It On and Follow the Device’s Instructions
AEDs are user-friendly devices designed to guide even untrained individuals through the process. Locate the nearest AED and turn it on. Listen carefully and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the device.
Power on the AED
Once you have the AED in your possession, turn it on. Most AEDs will power on automatically when the lid is opened or when a specific button is pressed.
Expose the person’s chest and attach electrode pads
If the person has a hairy chest, quickly use a razor or wipe provided with the AED to remove hair where the electrode pads will be placed. Open the AED electrode pads and remove the backing, ensuring not to touch the sticky part of the pads.
Place one pad on the upper right side of the person’s chest, just below the collarbone, and the other pad on the left side of the chest, just below the armpit. Some AEDs may have specific pad placement diagrams or voice prompts.
Clear the person and analyze their heart rhythm
Ensure that no one, including yourself, is touching the person, and press the button on the AED to analyze their heart rhythm. Some AEDs may analyze automatically, while others require you to press a specific button. Follow the voice and/or visual prompts of the AED.
If a shock is advised, clear the person and deliver the shock
If the AED determines that a shock is needed, it will provide clear voice and visual prompts to deliver the shock. Ensure that no one is touching the person, and press the button or switch to deliver the shock. Some AEDs may deliver the shock automatically, while others require you to press a specific button.
Resume CPR
After a shock is delivered or if no shock is advised, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. Follow the recommended ratio of compressions to rescue breaths (usually 30:2) and continue until the AED reanalyzes the heart rhythm, emergency medical services take over, or the person shows signs of life.
Important: Avoid Self-Treatment
During a heart attack, the instinct to assist right away is common. However, it’s vital to refrain from specific actions to guarantee the person’s safety.
- Do Not Attempt to Drive the Person to the Hospital Yourself:It is important not to attempt to transport the person experiencing a heart attack to the hospital on your own. Emergency medical professionals are equipped with the necessary equipment and expertise to provide immediate care en route. Waiting for an ambulance ensures that the person receives continuous medical attention, increasing their chances of a successful outcome.
- Avoid Giving the Person Any Medications Unless Prescribed by a Healthcare Professional : Only a qualified medical professional can accurately diagnose a heart attack. Many conditions can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, such as indigestion, anxiety, or muscle strain. Attempting to self-diagnose can lead to unnecessary panic or delay in seeking appropriate medical care.
Refrain from administering any medications, especially those not prescribed by a healthcare professional. Medications can interact with the person’s condition or other drugs they might be taking, leading to unforeseen complications. Only healthcare professionals can accurately assess the situation and prescribe appropriate medications tailored to the individual’s needs.
Final Thoughts
It cannot be emphasized enough – seeking immediate medical assistance is paramount during a heart attack. Time is of the essence, and swift medical intervention significantly enhances the chances of a positive outcome. Every moment counts, so never delay in calling for professional help.
The quick and appropriate actions of those nearby can bridge the gap between the onset of symptoms and professional medical care. Whether it’s initiating CPR, calling emergency services, or providing comfort, bystanders can make a significant difference. Your timely response can be the lifeline that increases the person’s odds of survival and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to a heart attack, individuals may exhibit various symptoms signaling potential cardiac distress. However, it’s vital to recognize that these warning signs can differ in type and severity from person to person.
Disregarding unusual sensations in the chest or other areas associated with heart function is unwise. Seeking immediate medical help when concerning symptoms emerge enables timely intervention and enhances overall outcomes, making it essential not to dismiss any potential indicators of cardiac trouble.
Prior to a heart attack, there can be notable fluctuations in blood pressure (BP), though not everyone will experience these changes.
Some individuals may encounter sudden drops in BP, known as hypotension, which result from the heart’s compromised pumping ability due to reduced oxygen supply from blocked coronary arteries. This can lead to insufficient organ and tissue perfusion.
Conversely, hypertensive individuals with high BP might witness a sharp increase in readings before a heart attack, underscoring the diverse BP responses to cardiac distress.
Nitroglycerin, commonly used to manage angina and heart conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), exerts a fascinating effect on blood pressure (BP).
Administered sublingually or transdermally, it induces temporary BP reduction by promoting vasodilation. Nitroglycerin releases nitric oxide (NO) in the body, activating guanylate cyclase and increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels.
This leads to relaxation of blood vessel walls and wider vessels, reducing systemic vascular resistance (SVR). The outcome is improved blood flow and an overall decrease in BP, offering relief for individuals with chest pain or heart-related issues.
