Heart attacks are life-threatening conditions that are sadly becoming very common not only in our nation, but all over the world. However, with basic first aid in heart attack, it is possible to save someone’s life! Determining which first aid measures will be most successful can change the outcome of the situation. 

A heart attack is an emergency that might be fatal! In the event someone you are with is experiencing a heart attack, contact the emergency services and begin first aid as soon as possible. While treating a heart attack, time is of the essence, because even a few minutes' delay might cause death or irreversible damage.

In this article, we have described the procedures for administering first aid for a heart attack. Take a look now and gain the necessary knowledge everyone must have regarding this terrifying condition!  

What is a Heart Attack?

A severe yet sudden illness known as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) results from insufficient blood supply to certain parts of the heart. Although there are several possible causes for this reduction in blood flow, a blockage in one or more of your heart's arteries is often the reason. Because of this affliction, heart functions will start to deteriorate without blood supply! If your blood flow becomes too slow after a heart attack, you may die or suffer irreversible cardiac damage.

Symptoms of Heart Attack

A heart attack results in severe blood flow reduction or cessation to a specific area of the heart, injuring or even destroying the affected heart muscle. The heart's ability to pump blood will be immediately compromised if a section of it is dying from a shortage of blood supply! 

While the pain in the chest is usually rather intense, some people however may just feel a slight discomfort, akin to indigestion. Although chest discomfort is the most typical symptom, each individual may have different symptoms. Some individuals may experience additional symptoms in addition to chest discomfort. Heart attack symptoms are many, so take a look to recognize the condition early:

• Chest pain
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Discomfort in many areas of the body, such as the jaw, neck, back, and stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Perspiration
• Heaviness, tightness, or squeezing sensation throughout the chest
• Vomiting or experiencing nausea
• Wheezing or coughing

First Aid in Heart Attack 

If you think someone is having a heart attack, following a few simple steps can help save their life! First of all, you must call emergency help if you see someone experiencing heart attack symptoms. After that, someone should provide first aid while waiting for the ambulance to come, or during taking the patient to the emergency. First aid in heart attack provides the individual having the heart attack the best chance of recovering and cuts down the risk factors that come with a heart attack!    

1. Help the Person Stay Calm 

You should attempt to move the person experiencing a heart attack into a more comfortable posture if it is safe to do so. The ideal posture for someone having a heart attack is to sit on the floor, lean against a wall, and bend their knees, according to experts. If someone collapses due to a  heart attack , this posture can lessen the pressure on their heart and also lessen the chance that they will hurt themselves falling.

2. Give the Patient Aspirin or Nitroglycerin

Aspirin or nitroglycerin medication administration can alleviate symptoms until emergency medical aid becomes available. Aspirins are easily available in pharmacies, so someone must acquire them quickly and offer it to the patient! If someone is less than sixteen years old or has an allergy to aspirin, it is best to avoid giving them aspirin. It is highly unlikely that teenagers will suffer a heart attack so this situation is rare! Taking aspirin early during a heart attack might increase survival chances, but further investigation is required to firmly establish this connection.

3. Start CPR

CPR is the most effective method to help someone having a heart attack and losing consciousness! Check out the steps for CPR:

• With your knees bent beside the victim, place the heel of your hand in the center of their chest.
• Place the other hand over the first, and make sure your fingers are interlocked. 
• Lean over the victim while maintaining a straight arm position, and firmly operate chest compressions for four to six centimeters, then release it. 

Steps for CPR also include providing rescue breaths! Ideally, you want to administer two rescue breaths following thirty chest compressions.

• To achieve this, place one hand on the forehead and the other hand's two fingers just below the patient’s chin. 
• Pinch the patient’s nose with your finger and thumb while keeping the hand on their forehead to let their lips fall open. 
• Inhale and close your lips to create a seal around the victim's mouth, and blow till the victim's chest lifts.

If you are unable to do two rescue breaths, perform continuous chest compressions instead! Continue CPR until the individual begins breathing regularly and exhibiting signs of life; or until emergency assistance becomes available.  

4. Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if Possible 

An electronic device known as an automated external defibrillator (AED) shocks the heart back to its normal rhythm by applying electric energy pulses, but this device is usually available at hospitals, ambulances, or doctor’s chambers. However, if you train for first aid in heart attack, you will be able to handle it until the doctor arrives. Good news is it is legal to keep this device anywhere, and nowadays, some clinics store them! If you can get your hands on this device, it is best you start using it immediately! An automated voice guide will assist you in using an AED by providing step-by-step instructions as soon as you switch it on. Once the AED has been deactivated, resume CPR!

What Not to Do

When providing first aid to someone who is having a heart attack, one should refrain from leaving the patient unattended unless it is absolutely essential to do so in order to receive assistance. Ignoring the patient's symptoms in the hopes that they will go away on their own can be fatal! You should never give the patient anything to eat or drink other than aspirin or prescription heart medication during an attack.    

Final Remarks 

Every single moment matters during a heart attack, and providing emergency first aid in heart attack can be the step between life and death! Do not delay waiting for the doctor’s arrival, instead start CPR and follow other first aid methods. Try to take the patient to an emergency room or call an ambulance, whichever seems quicker. 

Contact Medanta anytime for emergency heart attack treatment from specialists!