Heart attack is mentioned as the number 1. killer today. The study shows that heart attack is the reason for maximum deaths in the United States. 70% to 89% of men suffer from sudden cardiac events. Knowing the statistics and facts about heart attack and cardiovascular diseases, it is very important for all of us that we know about what to do in case of emergencies. If you have your loved ones or any family member who has had a previous heart attack or is suffering from heart disease or having high blood pressure, then you need to know this.
How can you help a person having a heart attack?
1.Call for Ambulance:
Call 911 for an ambulance immediately. Do not bother to wait to check whether the pain is just temporary or is it a heart attack. A modernized ambulance is like an emergency room and the patient is taken care by trained professionals. Heart attack symptoms should not be ignored because a small delay can also be very risky. Do not try to treat the person by yourself if you have the option of calling your family doctor. When you have called the ambulance, tell proper address of your place and give them your phone number.
2.Know whether it is a heart attack:
It has been observed that the symptoms of heart attack start gearing up in the person few hours before the heart attack. The symptoms may include discomfort in the center of chest. The pain can be prolonged or, come and go. The person also experiences pain and discomfort in both arms, jaw, neck, the back or stomach. Cold sweat, lightheadedness, shortness of breathing and nausea is also seen. Learn about symptoms at www.theheartattacksymptoms.com.
3.Stay Calm:
I know we get nervous in such situations, but keeping our calm is very important. Do not lose hopes and do not panic. Try to boost energy in the patient and try to calm him down. Have confidence and faith. Do not leave the person alone.
4.First Aid:
Till the ambulance arrives, you can do something to help the person breathe. If he is wearing some tight clothes that is causing hindrances while breathing, then loosen those clothes. Check whether the patient is breathing and is conscious.
5.CPR:
CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and it is advised when the person is unconscious and not breathing. It includes rescue breathing and chest compressions. Chest compression is performed to artificially pump blood out of the heart and round the body. And rescue breathing is done to artificially provide oxygen to the lungs. Place the palm of hand flat on chest of the person over the lower part of the breast bone. Then press your hand in pumping action by using other hand by positioning your body weight on the hands. CPR includes 30 compressions and then 2 rescue breathing, and then again 30 compressions and 2 rescue breathing.
6.Medications for Emergency:
You can give aspirin or nitroglycerin to the person. If the person is conscious, then give him aspirin to chew and swallow. This helps to break up the blood clot in the throat that is causing the heart attack. If the person is prescribed with nitroglycerin, then you can give him that. Note not to give the person aspirin if he is having a stroke.
It is very important that we know the basic things which we can do to help the patient in emergencies. This fundamental knowledge can help save one life. There are some institutes which can teach you what you can do in emergency cases. Remember CPR should be performed if you know basic about it. Proper training and regular practice is needed for it. Also it is important that you keep the patient calm till the emergency help or ambulance arrives. Panicky will only worsen the situation.
