Emergency First Aid Steps for a Heart Attack

Heart Attack First Aid: Emergency Steps to Save a Life

In a heart attack emergency, you must take immediate action to save that person. Call any local hospital for emergency ambulance service. It is one of the most common and frequent emergencies in India. Heart attacks are generally fatal and can be life-threatening.

How Should You Respond to a Heart Attack?

These are the steps you need to follow if someone has a heart attack:

• Call for Help: Dial emergency number 112 to request an ambulance or other related emergency medical services.
• Position the Person for Comfort: You must help the person sit comfortably on their bent knees, with their head supported on your shoulders. After that, loosen any kind of tight clothing, like belts or ties, to improve breathing.
• Give Aspirin: Give a chewable Aspirin to the patient before the medical assistance comes; it will increase the blood flow. If that person is allergic to this drug, do not give it, as this can worsen the situation.
• Nitroglycerin: If the person takes prescribed nitroglycerinand if the patient has and elevated BP, then give it to them as per their doctor’s instructions. This will help them to relieve any recurrent angina attacks.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): If that person is not responding, start giving CPR immediately to bring them to consciousness. You can perform hands-only CPR if you are trained in CPR, focusing on chest compressions.
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If you can find an AED near you, use it according to the instructions mentioned in the manual. It sends an electric shock to the person's heart to restore the normal heartbeat.
• Stay near the person: You must stay beside the person until any medical help arrives. Provide support and reassurance positively to keep that person calm during that critical situation.
• Monitor the Signs: You must continuously monitor the breathing, pulse rate, and level of consciousness of that person. This will help you to inform any medical staff regarding the recurrent condition of that person in the hospital.

How to Recognise a Heart Attack?

A heart attack generally occurs when the blood circulation to the heart is compromised. It is an extremely critical medical situation that needs urgent medical attention. Some indications of a heart attack include:

• Pain in the upper body
• Sweating
• Breath shortness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Discomfort or Chest Pain

If you find that anyone is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical emergency care before it gets worse.      

What are the Causes of a Heart Attack?

Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, generally happens when there is an obstruction in the heart’s blood circulation. Different reasons increase the risk of a heart attack, like:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Atherosclerosis (blockage of the heart arteries)
• Overweight
• Consumption of Tobacco
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• History of cardiac problems in the family.
• Lack of physical activity
• Tension and anxiety
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Use of illegal drugs

These factors can trigger a blockage and a heart attack, which is why it is crucial to control these factors to prevent a heart attack.