Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

A heart attack occurs when blood circulation is interrupted, preventing the heart from getting enough oxygen. The heart muscle cannot work properly and the heart tissue dies quickly. In the US alone, about 735,000 people experience a heart attack each year. However, only about 27% of them know all the acute symptoms of a heart attack. Don't let yourself be a part of the statistics. Chest pressure and upper body aches (with or without exercise) are typical heart attack symptoms, along with a few other warning signs that need to be noticed. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and going to the hospital immediately can make the difference between survival, permanent tissue damage, and death. While there any Any doubts about the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Knowing When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

1. 

   
   
   Watch out for chest pain symptoms. Pain in the chest, whether throbbing or dull, are the most common sign of a heart attack. People who have frequent heart attacks often report feeling a squeezing, tightening, squeezing, tightening, or throbbing sensation in the center or left chest. This sensation may last a few minutes or more, or go away and reappear later.
   • Chest pain that stems from a heart attack doesn't always feel the heaviness, pressure some people describe - often referred to as a "cinematic" heart attack. In fact, it can be quite mild, so don't ignore chest pain of any degree.
   • "Poststernal" chest pain is quite common. It is pain located behind the breastbone, or sternum, that is often easily confused with pain caused by an upset stomach, such as bloating. Call your doctor when you have any doubts about this pain.
   • Remember that chest pain doesn't always come with a heart attack. In fact, most heart attack patients do not experience chest pain at all. Don't rule out the possibility of having a heart attack just because you don't have pain in that area.

2. 

   
   
   Check for discomfort in the upper body. Sometimes, the pain stemming from a heart attack can radiate from the chest to around, causing discomfort in the neck, jaw, abdomen, upper back, and left arm. It is usually dull pain. If you have pain even though you haven't exercised recently or have done anything that could lead to pain in your upper body, you may have a heart attack.

3. 

   
   
   Be careful with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Although they don't appear in all cases, they are also extremely common signs of a heart attack.
   • Like other heart attack symptoms, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting feelings are also signs of many other medical conditions and are therefore easily overlooked. Don't ignore them, especially when at the same time, you feel chest pain.
   • Not all women experience these symptoms with a heart attack. However, the frequency is usually higher in women than in men.

4. 

   Control your breathing. Shortness of breath is a subtle heart attack symptom that should not be taken lightly. Unlike dyspnea associated with other illnesses, in the case of a heart attack, it seems to be coming up for no reason. People with heart attack shortness of breath describe feeling similar to doing a very high intensity exercise even though all they do is sit and relax.
   • Shortness of breath may be your only heart attack symptom. Don't take it lightly! In particular, if breathing is difficult even if doing nothing that could lead to it, seek emergency medical assistance.

5. 

   Be careful for signs of nausea. Nausea can also lead to cold sweats or even vomiting. If you have these symptoms, especially in relation to other symptoms, you may have a heart attack.

6. 

   Take control of your anxiety. Many heart attack patients become extremely anxious and feel as if "the heart stops beating". Don't take it lightly and seek emergency help as soon as you experience this intense emotion.

7. 

   Call ambulance right away if you suspect yourself or someone else is having a heart attack. The sooner you get medical treatment, the higher your chance of survival. Don't recklessly persuade yourself to do nothing or wait too long.
   • One study found that in too many people with symptoms of a heart attack take more than 4 hours to seek help. Nearly half of all deaths occur outside the hospital. Do not ignore any symptoms, even if they seem so mild that they are hard to notice. Seek emergency help quickly.
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Part 2 of 5: Recognizing Other Early Warning Signs

1. 

   Seek medical attention for angina (angina). Angina is chest pain that can feel like a slight pressure, burning or tightness. It is often confused with heartburn. Angina may be a sign of coronary artery disease, one of the most common causes of heart attack. When you feel any pain in your chest, it's best to get it checked out right away.
   • Most angina occurs in the chest. However, it can also appear on the hands, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact site of the pain.
   • Angina usually improves after a few minutes of rest. If your chest pain persists for more than a few minutes or does not improve with rest or angina treatment, seek emergency medical help.
   • Some people develop angina after exercise and it is not always a sign of a heart attack or cardiovascular disease. The difference with the usual is the most important thing to note.
   • If you think you are hurting from indigestion, it is likely that you have angina. Make an appointment with your doctor to find out the cause of the pain.

2. 

   Determine if you have a heart rhythm disorder. Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that occur in at least 90% of people with heart attacks. When you feel a flutter in your chest or feel as if your heart is "falling short", you may have a heart rhythm disturbance. See a specialist to have an examination and determine the cause of your symptoms.
   • Cardiac arrhythmias can also present with more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain. When any of the above symptoms appear accompanied by a heart rhythm disturbance, seek emergency medical assistance.
   • Although quite common, especially in the elderly, arrhythmia can be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Don't take it lightly, ignore it. Consult your doctor for a sure conclusion.

3. 

   Recognize disorientation, confusion, and stroke-like symptoms. In older people, these symptoms can actually be signs of a heart problem. Seek medical attention if you are having difficulty identifying the cause of your perception.

4. 

   Beware of unusual exhaustion. Women are more likely than men to experience abnormal, sudden, or unexplained fatigue when having a heart attack. This may start a few days before a real heart attack occurs. In the event of sudden, unusual exhaustion, even though there is no change in daily activity, talk to your doctor immediately. advertisement

Part 3 of 5: Taking Action in an Emergency

1. 

   Call an ambulance immediately. The emergency services will probably tell you how to help someone with heart attack symptoms. Do exactly what is instructed. Call for support before do anything else.
   • Calling 115 (or your emergency services number) will get you to the hospital faster than driving yourself to the emergency room. Call an ambulance. Don't drive to the hospital unless are not There is another option.
   • Heart attack treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of symptom onset.

2. 

   Stop all activities. Sit down and rest. Try to stay calm by breathing as steadily as possible.
   • Loosen any tight clothing, such as collars and belts.

3. 

   Take any medicine prescribed by your doctor for treating your heart disease. When taking prescription medication such as nitroglycerin, take the recommended dose while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.
   • Do not take prescription medications not specifically prescribed for you by your doctor. Taking someone else's medicine can harm your life.

4. 

   Take aspirin. Chewing and swallowing an aspirin can help break up a blood clot or blockage that contributes to a heart attack.
   • Do not take aspirin if you are allergic or have been told not to.

5. 

   See your doctor even if the pain subsides. Even if symptoms improve within five minutes, see your doctor. A heart attack can leave a block in the blood flow, potentially leading to many other health problems, such as a relapse or stroke. You need to be examined and evaluated by a medical professional. advertisement

Part 4 of 5: Identifying Other Causes of Symptoms

1. 

   Recognize the symptoms of indigestion. Indigestion is also known as "digestive disorder" or "stomach pain". It is usually recurrent or chronic pain in the upper abdomen. Indigestion can lead to mild chest pain or pressure. Some of the following symptoms often appear with pain:
   • Heartburn
   • A feeling of tightness or bloating
   • Ợ
   • Acid reflux
   • Stomach pain or "discomfort"
   • Loss of appetite

2. 

   Recognize the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD happens when the esophageal valve doesn't close properly, causing the stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn and feel as if the food is "stuck" in the chest. You should feel nauseous, especially after eating.
   • Symptoms of GERD usually appear after eating. They get worse when lying down or leaning over, or they can get worse at night.

3. 

   Recognize the symptoms of bronchial asthma. Asthma can cause pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest. They often appear with cough and wheezing.
   • Mild asthma attacks usually subside after a few minutes. If breathing is still difficult after a few minutes, seek medical help.

4. 

   Recognize a panic attack. The extremely anxious person may be in a panic. Initially, the symptoms of panic attacks may seem very similar to those of a heart attack. This could be a rapid heartbeat, sweating, weakness or fainting, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
   • Symptoms of panic come very quickly and often go away very quickly. If symptoms do not improve within 10 minutes, seek medical assistance.
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Part 5 of 5: Identifying Your Risks

1. 

   Consider age. The risk of a heart attack increases with age. Men 45 and older and women 55 and older are more susceptible to a heart attack.
   • Symptoms of a heart attack are slightly different in older adults. Symptoms to watch out for in the elderly include fainting feelings, difficulty breathing, nausea, and loss of energy.
   • Dementia symptoms, such as incomplete memory, unusual or erratic attitudes, and impaired judgment, may signal a "silent" heart attack in the elderly.

2. 

   Consider your weight. Being overweight or obese puts you at higher risk of heart attack.
   • An inactive lifestyle also increases your risk.
   • High-fat diets increase your risk of coronary heart disease - which can lead to heart attacks.

3. 

   Stop smoking. Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke increases your risk of a heart attack.

4. 

   Think about other chronic health problems. Your risk of a heart attack is higher when you experience one of the following medical conditions:
   • High Blood Pressure
   • High cholesterol in the blood
   • Personal or family history of heart attack or stroke
   • Diabetes
     • Heart attack symptoms in people with diabetes may be less dramatic. Seek immediate medical attention for any suspicious symptoms.
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Advice

• Do not delay in seeking medical help because you are shy or think that you do not "really" have a heart attack. It can kill you.
• Don't take any heart attack symptoms lightly. If still unwell after a few (5-10) minutes of rest, seek emergency medical assistance.

Warning

• Having had a heart attack before, the risk of recurrence is higher.
• Do not use a defibrillator (AED) unless specially trained.
• With asymptomatic ischemia, a heart attack can occur without any symptoms or warning signs.