When it comes to a heart attack, every second counts. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a big difference in saving a life.  It is estimated that heart attacks account for 28% of all deaths in India. The average person waits 3 hours before seeking help for symptoms of a heart attack.

Many heart attack patients die before they reach the hospital. The sooner the person gets to the emergency room, the better the chance of survival. Prompt medical treatment reduces the amount of heart damage. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of heart attack and take preventive measures to avoid the emergencies & heart damage.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. They may be mild or severe. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes are more likely to have subtle or unusual symptoms. Here are the main things to look out for:

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort:

The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain. It might feel heavy, like something is squeezing the chest, or even like a burning sensation. If someone tells you they have chest pain, take it seriously.

2.  Shortness of Breath:

If the person is having trouble breathing without a good reason, it could be a sign of a heart attack.

3.  Pain in Other Areas:

Sometimes, the pain from a heart attack can spread to other places like the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

4.  Other Signs:

Keep an eye out for other signs like feeling nauseous, getting really sweaty, or feeling like something bad is about to happen. These can also be signs of a heart attack.

Strategies to Cope with Sudden Heart Attack Emergencies

1.  Call for Emergency Help

Now, if you see someone showing above symptoms , it’s time to act fast, Dial Emergency Services, This is crucial. Call your local emergency number right away. The faster help arrives, the better the chances of saving a life.

2. Provide Information:

When you’re on the phone with the emergency services, give them all the details you can. Tell them where you are, what you suspect is happening, and the condition of the person. Clear communication is key.

3. Help Them Sit Down:

Encourage the person to sit down in a comfortable position. It can help ease their discomfort. Sitting down can alleviate their discomfort during a heart attack, making it easier for them to breathe and remain calm as you await medical assistance.

4. Administering Aspirin (if available):

 If a healthcare professional has told you to do so or if aspirin is available, give the person one to chew. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots, which are often responsible for heart attacks.

5. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):

 If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing or has irregular breathing, you might need to do CPR. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest.

Place your other hand on top of the first hand and start pushing hard and fast. You should push at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

6. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED):

If an AED is available, follow the instructions on it. These machines are designed to help restart the heart if it has stopped beating. Supporting the Person While you’re waiting for help to arrive, there are a couple of things you can do to support the person

7. Keep Calm:

Stay calm, as it can help keep the person you’re assisting calmer too. Panic won’t help the situation. Comfort and Reassure: Offer emotional support. Let the person know you’re there for them. It can make a big difference. Preventing Heart Attacks Now, it’s essential to understand that the best way to deal with a heart attack is to prevent it in the first place.

Conclusion

In a heart attack emergency, the actions you take in the first few minutes can be a matter of life and death. Knowing how to recognize the signs, calling for help, and providing the right first aid can make a world of difference.

Remember, it’s crucial to act quickly and calmly. And let’s not forget that preventing a heart attack is the best strategy of all. A heart-healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups with your doctor can help keep your heart strong and healthy.

 So, stay informed, stay prepared, and stay heart-healthy. And remember, heart hospitals in Nagpur are specialised in care and support to ensure a successful recovery.