What to Do if Someone is Having a Heart Attack

Medical emergencies can occur at any time, and having the knowledge or expertise to assist in such situations can be vital. This is why First Aid is one of the most universally taught skills. Running cold water over a burn, giving the heimlich manoeuvre when someone’s choking, or even performing CPR when the situation calls for it – these are all examples of First Aid practises one is expected to be familiar with. 

So, why aren’t we as familiar with the response to other serious, life-threatening medical emergencies. In the US alone 805,000 people experience a heart attack per year (ref.link). In the UK 1 person is admitted to the hospital due to a heart attack every 5 minutes. These are staggering numbers, not meant to induce fear but to reflect the need to be prepared for such an event. 

What is a Heart Attack? 

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. This usually occurs when there is a buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle, that partially or completely blocks the flow of blood. This results in the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood, leaving it susceptible to severe damage.

Responding as quickly as possible is pivotal in dealing with cardiac issues because time is a critical factor in preserving heart function. Prompt treatment can help minimise the risk of permanent damage to the heart muscle and greatly increase the chances of a favourable outcome, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications.

The Most Common Signs/Symptoms of a Heart Attack

1. Chest pain or discomfort: This can feel like pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the centre or left side of the chest that can last for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
2. Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest pain and may be a sign that the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen.
3. Arm, jaw, neck, back, or stomach pain: This can be felt in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, back, or stomach and can be accompanied by chest pain.
4. Nausea and vomiting: This can be a sign of a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath.
5. Lightheadedness or dizziness: This can occur when the heart is not pumping enough blood, causing a drop in blood pressure and a lack of oxygen to the brain.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all.

How to Provide Assistance When Someone is Having a Heart Attack

If someone is experiencing a heart attack, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE Call for emergency medical services: Dial 911 or the local emergency number immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away, because as mentioned earlier, every second counts when it comes to treating a heart attack.
2. Chew and swallow an aspirin: If the person is able to take aspirin safely, have them chew and swallow a low-dose aspirin. Aspirin can help reduce the risk of further heart damage.
3. Provide comfort: Stay with the person and try to keep them calm. Encourage them to sit or lie down and rest, and help them loosen any tight clothing that may be restricting their breathing.
4. Administer oxygen, if available: If you have access to oxygen, help the person use it to breathe. This can help increase the amount of oxygen in their blood and reduce the stress on their heart.
5. Monitor vital signs: Keep track of the person’s breathing, pulse, and blood pressure, if possible.
6. Prepare for the ambulance: Gather any relevant medical information, including any medications they are taking, and be ready to provide details of their symptoms.

Once again, it is of the utmost importance to remember that a heart attack can be a life-threatening emergency, and prompt medical attention is necessary to minimize the risk of permanent damage to the heart muscle. If someone is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, do not hesitate to call for emergency medical services. 

How to take care of yourself after surviving a Heart Attack

The recommended care following a heart attack depends on several factors, including the severity of the attack, the underlying cause, and the person’s overall health. However, some general guidelines for post-heart attack care include:

1. Medications: A person may be prescribed medications to help reduce the risk of future heart attacks and improve heart function, such as aspirin, blood thinners, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins.
2. Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can help reduce the risk of future heart attacks and improve overall heart health.
3. Cardiac rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation is a program that includes exercise, education, and support to help a person recover and improve their heart health following a heart attack.
4. Follow-up care: Regular follow-up care with a doctor is important to monitor the person’s progress, adjust medications as needed, and identify any potential complications.
5. Monitoring symptoms: A person should be aware of any changes in their symptoms and report any new or worsening symptoms to their doctor promptly.

It’s important to note that the specific recommended care for each individual will vary based on the specifics of their heart attack and overall health. Working closely with a healthcare provider to create a personalised care plan is essential for optimal recovery and reducing the risk of future heart problems.

The idea of anyone experiencing a heart attack is a scary one, but hopefully with the information you’ve picked up here you can now respond from a place of knowledge rather than one of fear. 

As mentioned in the article, monitoring your symptoms, both before or after experiencing a heart attack, can be the best way to be aware of any irregularities in cardiac function. We keep reiterating that the quicker you act, the less harmful a heart attack (or really any other cardiac issue) will be. Purchase the revolutionary Frontier X2 smart heart monitor which gives you access to a multitude of vital heart health metrics as well as a continuous ECG. Monitoring your heart has never been this easy and this accurate, so go ahead and ensure that you are always on top of your heart health!