Know the symptoms of heart attack and 5 ways to prevent it

By Cristiano Antonino On May 9, 2023

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A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that most people worry about in their lifetime. It can be fatal if not treated right away

A heart attack could damage heart tissue so that the remaining heart muscle can’t pump enough blood out of the heart.

However, quick action will give the treatment the best chance of working.

This article will explore how you handle a heart attack.

He will also review methods of prevention, explain treatment options and describe the symptoms of a heart attack

Causes of heart attack

A lack of oxygenated blood supply to the heart muscle causes a heart attack.

This happens when a coronary artery is blocked due to coronary artery disease.

When coronary artery disease occurs, fats and cholesterol can form deposits or plaques on the artery walls, called atherosclerosis.

Over time, the plaques narrow blood vessels, which ultimately obstructs blood flow.

Heart attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating.

When fatal, cardiac arrest is known as sudden cardiac death.

A heart attack is a problem with circulation in which blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart won’t stop beating.

Both are very serious and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms of a heart attack are mild at first and can persist for up to several days until the actual attack occurs.

If you experience common heart attack symptoms or warning signs, call 112 / 118 or have someone call 911 right away.

What to do when heart attack symptoms have started?

Call Emergency Number

Calling Emergency Number is the quickest and safest way to access emergency medical care instead of asking someone to drive you to the hospital.

Rescuers are trained to resuscitate people suffering from heart attacks and can also transport them to the hospital for advanced emergency treatment.

In the “rescue chain” this must be an almost instantaneous act, to improve the chances of success of the emergency intervention.

Check the pulse

You need to check the victim’s pulse. If there is no pulse and the victim is unresponsive, it is likely they are experiencing cardiac arrest requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) if possible.

The Emergency Number operator will walk you through the steps if you have not completed CPR AED training.

If you are in a public place, the AED is available in most buildings and offices.

It is a life-saving device used to resuscitate people suffering from cardiac emergencies.

Take an aspirin

With a heart attack, the victim will have a pulse and be conscious.

The Emergency Number operator may advise you to give the victim aspirin if it is available to prevent blood clots.

Aspirin can limit the amount of damage to the heart.

Once rescuers arrive, they will transport the victim to the hospital, where they will receive treatment for the specific type of heart attack they have.

Rest and wait for the ambulance to arrive

If you are the victim of a heart attack and you are alone, once the ambulance is activated, a problem will be managing anxiety, because being afraid is a natural reaction, especially if it is the first.

Resting while waiting for the medical team will relieve the pressure on the heart as it tries to pump blood around the body.

Resting can involve sitting or lying down, whichever position feels most comfortable for you.

Rescuers are trained to solve the problem, focus on it.

Loosen tight clothing

While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, any first responders should loosen the victim’s tight clothing, such as a tie or belt.

It will make it easier for the victim to breathe.

Looser clothing also makes it easier for ambulance personnel to assess the victim.

How to prevent a heart attack?

While it’s not possible to control all heart attack risks, such as aging, gender, and family history, there are some heart disease risks that you can control.

Alternative treatments and lifestyle changes can improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart failure.

Healthy diet

A healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the chances of a heart attack.

A healthy diet can include consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, lean animal proteins and fish.

You should also limit your intake of processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.

Regular exercise/physical activity

Being physically active is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent cardiovascular disease.

You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of exercise each week.

If you’re not physically active right now, simply sit less and move more.

Taking medicines

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If you have a heart condition or any medical condition, your doctor may prescribe medications to control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels.

It is essential that you take all medicines as directed by your healthcare team.

But don’t take aspirin as a preventative measure unless your health care team tells you to.

Avoid smoking

If you’re a smoker, you’re at high risk for health problems, so it’s important to quit as soon as possible.

If quitting smoking is a challenge for you, ask your doctor for help kicking the habit using proven methods. Try to avoid secondhand smoke too!

How to learn lifesaving skills?

Being educated and responding immediately are key factors in improving a victim’s survival rate.

While a Emergency Number operator can walk you through the steps necessary to help a victim, it is highly recommended that you complete CPR training to perform first aid measures with confidence.

The CPR certification course will cover everything you need to know to save a life in a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest emergency.

Additionally, online CPR courses are a great option for busy professionals.

Even if you are not a healthcare professional, you can still learn CPR techniques at your own pace, at your convenience, from the comfort of your home or office.

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