How to Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms and What to Do?

How to Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms and What to Do?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, depriving it of oxygen and causing tissue damage. A heart attack can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, or cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, sex, and medical history. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most typical symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like a tightness, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center or left side of the chest. The pain or discomfort may last for more than a few minutes, or come and go intermittently.
• Upper body pain or discomfort: The pain or discomfort may radiate to other parts of the upper body, such as the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. The pain or discomfort may not be related to movement or exertion, unlike musculoskeletal pain.
• Shortness of breath: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like difficulty breathing, gasping, or wheezing.
• Nausea or vomiting: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may be accompanied by a feeling of indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain.
• Sweating: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may be cold, clammy, or profuse sweating.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may be accompanied by a feeling of faintness, weakness, or loss of consciousness.
• Anxiety or panic: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may be accompanied by a feeling of fear, dread, or impending doom.

It is important to note that not all people who have a heart attack experience all or any of these symptoms. Some people may have a silent heart attack, which means they have no symptoms or very mild ones that they may not notice or attribute to other causes. This is more common among older adults, people with diabetes, and people with high blood pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to have regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your heart health and risk factors.

How to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack in women and older adults?

Women and older adults may have different or less obvious symptoms of a heart attack than men and younger adults. This may lead to a delay in seeking medical help, which can worsen the outcome. Some of the symptoms that women and older adults may experience include:

• Fatigue: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like extreme tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy that is not relieved by rest or sleep.
• Sleep disturbances: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
• Palpitations: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like a fluttering, pounding, or skipping of the heart beat.
• Coughing or wheezing: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure.
• Swelling: This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. It may affect the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen due to fluid retention caused by heart failure.

If you are a woman or an older adult, and you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them or dismiss them as normal signs of aging or stress. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, as they may indicate a heart attack or another serious condition.

What to do if you or someone else is having a heart attack?

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, do not hesitate to call 111 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Every minute counts, as the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of survival and recovery. While waiting for the ambulance, follow these steps:

• Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic or have been told not to by your doctor. Aspirin can help prevent further blood clotting and reduce the damage to the heart muscle.
• If you have angina medication, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray or tablets, take one dose as directed by your doctor. Wait five minutes. If the symptoms persist, take another dose. Do not take more than three doses in 15 minutes, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position that allows you to breathe easily. Loosen any tight clothing and try to stay calm and relaxed. Do not smoke, drink, or eat anything, as this may worsen your condition or interfere with the treatment.
• If you are alone, unlock the door and stay near the phone. If possible, alert a neighbor or a friend who can check on you or assist you if needed.
• If someone else is having a heart attack, stay with them and reassure them until the ambulance arrives. If they stop breathing or have no pulse, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained and able to do so. This can help keep the blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional help arrives.

Conclusion

A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and calling 111 (or your local emergency number) as soon as possible can save your life or someone else’s. Treatment can restore the blood flow to the heart muscle and prevent further damage or complications. However, prevention is better than cure, so it is advisable to adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage your risk factors to reduce your chances of having a heart attack.