Heart Attack: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
The heart, a powerful muscle, works tirelessly to pump blood throughout our bodies. But sometimes, its own blood supply can be interrupted, leading to a medical emergency known as a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Unlike the dramatic portrayals in movies, a heart attack doesn't always present as sudden, crushing chest pain. It can be subtle, mimicking other conditions, which makes recognizing its signs and acting quickly absolutely critical.
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we emphasize that early recognition of a heart attack and immediate activation of the emergency medical services (EMS) system are paramount. Every minute counts when the heart muscle is being deprived of oxygen.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot in a coronary artery that has narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Without oxygen-rich blood, the affected heart muscle begins to die. The longer the blockage, the more extensive the damage to the heart.
Distinguishing Heart Attack from Angina
It's important to understand the difference between a heart attack and angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by the heart muscle not getting enough blood, but it's temporary. It usually occurs during physical exertion or stress and subsides with rest or medication (like nitroglycerin). A heart attack is a more severe and prolonged event where heart muscle damage occurs.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms: Beyond "Hollywood Heart Attack"
While classic chest pain is common, heart attack symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and especially between men and women. Look for a combination of these signs:
Chest Discomfort:
Most common symptom. Can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre of the chest.
May last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back.
Often described as an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It can be mild or severe.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body:
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms (often the left), the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
"Soft Signs" (especially common in women, older adults, and diabetics): These can be less obvious.
Unusual fatigue (especially in women, days or weeks before).
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Cold sweat.
Unexplained anxiety.
It's crucial to remember that symptoms can be sudden or develop gradually over hours, days, or even weeks. If you are unsure, always assume it's a heart attack and call 911.
What to Do: Immediate Action for a Suspected Heart Attack
Your immediate actions can save a life and minimize heart damage:
Call 911 Immediately: Do not delay. This is the single most important step. Provide clear, concise information about the person's symptoms and location.
Help the Person Rest: Have the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position, ideally with their head slightly elevated. This reduces the heart's workload.
Loosen Tight Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest.
Administer Aspirin (if appropriate):
If the person is conscious, alert, and able to chew and swallow, offer them one adult dose (325 mg) of chewable aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA), or two 81 mg low-dose chewable aspirins.
Do NOT give aspirin if:
They are allergic to aspirin.
They have been told by a doctor not to take aspirin (e.g., due to bleeding disorders, recent surgery, or certain stomach conditions).
They are already taking daily blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Rivaroxaban).
They have a known bleeding ulcer.
Aspirin helps thin the blood and can prevent the blood clot from getting larger, or help break it down.
Assist with Nitroglycerin (if prescribed):
If the person has prescribed nitroglycerin (for angina or previous heart attack), help them take it as directed by their doctor.
They typically take one dose every 5 minutes, up to three doses.
Do NOT give nitroglycerin if: Their blood pressure is low, they have taken a medication for erectile dysfunction in the last 24-48 hours (e.g., Viagra, Cialis), or they are dizzy or lightheaded.
Monitor A-B-Cs: Continuously monitor their level of consciousness, breathing, and pulse until EMS arrives. Be prepared to start CPR if they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally.
Reassure the Person: Keep them calm and informed that help is on the way. Fear and anxiety can worsen their condition.
Why Early Action Matters: Time is Muscle
The phrase "time is muscle" is particularly true for heart attacks. The faster blood flow is restored to the heart, the less damage occurs. Your ability to recognize the signs and act quickly by calling 911 and administering aspirin (if appropriate) directly impacts the amount of heart muscle saved and the person's long-term recovery.
Ready 4 Everything: Empowering Heart-Smart Responders
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, our comprehensive first aid and CPR courses dedicate significant time to recognizing and responding to cardiovascular emergencies like heart attacks. We cover:
The diverse symptoms, including the "soft signs" often missed.
The critical steps of immediate care, including aspirin administration.
The importance of immediate EMS activation.
We empower you to be prepared for these critical moments, whether they happen at home, in the workplace, or in your community.
Your Action Item: Could you recognize a heart attack and act quickly? Don't wait to find out. Sign up for first aid courses for your organization today to gain the vital knowledge and confidence to respond to heart attacks and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
