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Heart attacks are among the leading cause of death in the United States. A heart attack happens when one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become blocked. When this occurs, cells in the heart begin to die when they cannot get blood for vital nourishment. If a large part of the heart is deprived of blood, the heart stops beating and the victim suffers CARDIAC ARREST.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)
When a victim’s heart stops beating, they require CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) which provides vital oxygen through rescue breathing and which maintains circulation through chest compression. Proper training and certification is required to perform CPR, however any heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest and it is therefore vital for first aiders to be able to recognize the early warning signs of a heart attack so the victim can receive prompt professional attention.
A heart attack victim whose heart is still beating has a much better chance of survival than a victim whose heart has stopped working! Most heart attack victims who die succumb within 2 hours after having their heart attack. Many of these victims could be saved if bystanders recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and get the victim to a hospital quickly!
Symptoms
Indeed, many victims of heart attacks think they are experiencing HEARTBURN or other minor discomfort when in fact their life may be in jeopardy! The most significant sign of a heart attack is chest pain. The victim may describe it as pressure, a feeling of tightness in the chest, aching, crushing, fullness or tightness, constricting or heavy pain. The pain may be located in the center of the chest although it is not uncommon for the pain to radiate to one or both shoulders or arms or to the neck, jaw or back.In addition to pain, victims may experience sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. A heart attack usually causes chest pain for more than 15 minutes.
Many victims deny they may be having a heart attack. Others may have their condition worsened by fear of dying. With all victims of heart attacks, it is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure the victim and keep them as calm and relaxed as possible.The psychological value of reassurance is as important in first aid as any treatments, especially a heart attack.
Treatment
Call 9-1-1 immediately or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Have the victim stop whatever they are doing. Calm and reassure them. Have them take aspirin if they are able, or if prescribed, nitroglycerin.
If the victim does not have a pulse or is not breathing, begin CPR. If you’re untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard and fast on the person’s chest. Do this about 100 to 120 times a minute. If you’re trained in CPR and confident in your ability, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths.
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)
Have someone locate and get you an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is immediately available and the person is unconscious. The device delivers shocks to reset the heart rhythm. AEDs come with step-by-step voice instructions for their use. They’re programmed to allow a shock only when appropriate.