People frequently hold the view that stress and anxiety are the root causes of heart attacks. That is not the case, though. While you are at a conference or on a trip with your pals, a heart attack could happen at any time.
Heart attacks can sometimes be fatal. But with the right first aid and treatment at a reputed Cardiac Hospital, you can increase the patient’s prospects for survival. If you read this short article on heart attack first aid, you just might save someone’s life.
What is a Heart Attack?
Chest pain or discomfort is the most typical sign of a heart attack. However, an oxygen supply shortage is what causes heart attacks. The heart muscle suffers from a lack of oxygen as a result, and the muscle starts to weaken, leading to cardiac arrest.
What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Knowing the signs of a heart attack can enable you to act appropriately and provide first aid. Here’s a list of some common symptoms of a heart attack.
- Pressure in chest
- Nausea
- Tightening of Jaw
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Paleness
- Anxiety and Fatigue
First aid in heart attack
According to reports, an average person waits three hours after noticing heart attack symptoms before seeking medical attention. Call a Cardiac hospital right away and let them know you believe that the patient is experiencing a heart attack.
As soon as you have made the medical emergency call to the Heart hospital, assist the patient in finding a comfortable seat. Seating in a comfortable position reduces stress on the heart. Make sure they are at ease by having them sit on the floor and lean against a chair or a wall.
Sitting on the floor is, however, the best position, as this reduces the chances of getting hurt in case the patient collapses. The ideal position is to keep them seated on the floor with their neck and shoulder supported by a cushion.
Emergencies are inevitable. Thus it makes sense to panic. However, if you are with the patient, maintaining your composure can reassure them and allow you to make the necessary decisions to save their life.
It’s important to remember in times of panic that, despite being fatal, heart attacks can really be treated with the right care. Anxiety will just make things worse. Maintaining your composure will enable you to care for the heart attack sufferer properly.
Assuring the patient that they will survive the heart attack is important. Help them maintain their composure as worry and anxiety make the problem worse by making the heart need more oxygen. Encourage them to take deep breaths while assuring them that medical assistance from the heart care center is on the way and everything will be fine.
Check whether the person having a heart attack is breathing or not. You can also check the pulse rate of the patient by placing the tips of your middle and index finger on his/her wrist. You will feel a pulsing on the wrist.
If you think the person is not breathing or you do not find a pulse, then start CPR immediately. This will ensure that the blood keeps on flowing. Push the centre of the patient’s chest rapidly and firmly with 100-120 compressions per minute.
In case you don’t know how to give CPR, you can still help. Just keep pushing firmly and quickly in the centre of the chest. This step will increase the patient’s chances of survival. CPR can be performed if the patient is over the age of 8 years.
While giving CPR, give 2 rescue breaths following each 30 compressions. To give rescue breaths to the patient, lift the patient’s chin up. In the following step, pinch the patient’s nose and blow air in their mouth for 1 second. Check if the chest rises.
Keep doing this procedure after every 30 compressions until the medical help arrives.
Things To Avoid
1. Do not avoid calling the medical help
During cardiac arrest, it is likely that the patient denies the symptoms of a heart attack due to panic. However, you should not overlook the symptoms and immediately call the nearest Heart care center. This will increase the chances of survival of the patient as many heart attacks result in cardiac arrest due to overlooking symptoms.
2. Do not call friends or relatives before calling the cardiac arrest
Your priority should be calling the heart care hospital near you first. Ensure to call for medical assistance before informing the patient’s relatives or friends. Immediate action is important in case of any emergency, so do not waste any time. Even a delay of a single minute can lead to cardiac arrest.
3. Wait for the ambulance, don’t drive the patient yourself
However this might seem like a viable option, but do not drive the patient yourself. Wait for the ambulance. Calling the Heart care hospital will ensure that the patient receives treatment as quickly as possible since emergency response personnel will begin providing care as soon as they reach your door.
4. Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink
It is highly unlikely that the patient will feel hungry or thirsty while having a heart attack. However, you should strictly not give anything to the patient to drink or eat, as this might lead to vomiting and choking.
Conclusion
Being present when someone has a heart attack might be challenging. It is crucial to remember that prompt and appropriate first aid might actually protect the patient from any risks.
First aid also increases the chances of survival. We hope that this article has given you a fast overview of what to do and what to avoid when experiencing a heart attack.
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