Heart Attack
Heart Attack
A heart attack is a blockage in a coronary artery that provides blood to the heart muscle. The muscle starts to die and the person will usually feel a sharp pain and tightness in the chest. This can often be dismissed as indigestion, but signs should be taken seriously.
It can be very distressing for someone having a heart attack, so be reassuring and calm in your approach. Knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for can ensure that professional help is accessed quickly. Signs and symptoms can vary for individuals, some may suffer from angina and may carry a reliever spray, for others it could be their first attack.
Angina is a condition where the arteries have narrowed and hardened from plaque build up. This restricts the flow of blood to the heart and is a particular problem during exercise when the heart needs more oxygen. The person will have already been diagnosed as suffering from Angina and will usually have medication. Angina attacks will ease with rest or medication but if symptoms persist treat as for heart attack.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain in centre of chest, often described as tight chest or gripping and crushing
Pain radiating down arms (usually left arm)
Pain in neck or jaw (especially in women)
Pale, grey skin and tissues
Sweating
Feeling sick
Shortness of breath
Dizziness and weakness
Angina has similar symptoms, however they will ease with rest or medication whereas heart attack symptoms will persist.
Evidence shows that some women can experience slightly different symptoms when having a heart attack and can experience jaw pain, shortness of breath and sickness with less emphasis on chest pain.
Treatment
- Call 999/112.
- Sit the casualty down and make them as comfortable as possible.
- Ask them if they have any medication and allow them to take it (people with Angina may carry something called GTN in tablet or spray form).
- If they are not allergic to aspirin and they are older than 16 allow them to chew one slowly (150-300mg). This can thin the blood and allow it to bypass a clot in the coronary arteries.
- Try your best to keep them calm, often heart attack victims are said to have an ‘impending doom’ feeling.
- Is there an AED nearby? If possible, get it to the scene in the event the casualty becomes unconscious.
- Continue to monitor them and prepare to start CPR.
It is crucial that the person has access to professional medical help. Reducing the time that the coronary arteries in the heart are starved of oxygen provides a greater chance of return to a healthy life.
