How to identify the symptoms and help someone having a heart attack

With a notable rise in heart attacks, staying cautious and well-informed has become more important than ever. So what happens when a person undergoes a heart attack? The most typical symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, often described by patients as heaviness or a burning sensation—an uneasy feeling that usually encompasses the entire chest area, referred to as the precordium of the chest. Additional symptoms may include radiating pain to the back, jaw, or left arm. Associated symptoms include sweating, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Understanding the signs, risks, and timely responses to a heart attack is critical for preventing complications and ensuring swift access to life-saving medical interventions.

Early warning signs of a heart attack

A common query often raised is whether there are any pre-existing signs. Typically, most heart attack patients experience some form of symptoms in the days leading up to the event, sometimes as early as two to three days or even a week prior. These symptoms usually commence with chest pain, especially during exertion. As individuals engage in more strenuous activities, uneasiness develops. With proper care and evaluation at this stage, a heart attack can be averted.

Another common symptom is the occurrence of chest pain or breathing difficulties that come and go. Unfortunately, these symptoms are occasionally overlooked, and misconstrued as gastritis or another minor ailment, leading to their neglect. Timely evaluation and treatment of these symptoms play a pivotal role in preventing a heart attack.

It is noteworthy that some patients, particularly women and the elderly, may not exhibit the typical symptoms of chest pain or heaviness. Instead, they might present atypical symptoms such as profuse sweating, breathing difficulty, and effort intolerance.

What to do when you suspect a heart attack?

The initial step is to inform a close relative or anyone nearby, whether inside the house or outside and call for help immediately. Simultaneously, the individual should remain calm, avoiding panic and excessive movement, while seeking medical assistance. Exertion or panic can exacerbate the situation and lead to complications. Exertion or panic can exacerbate the situation and lead to complications.

Identifying high-risk scenarios in a heart attack

A heart attack is deemed high-risk if the patient reports difficulty breathing or is gasping for breath. In such cases, elevating the head end of the patient can provide comfort. Another concerning situation is when the patient expresses extreme fatigue, accompanied by profuse sweating or transient/sustained loss of consciousness. These signs may indicate arrhythmias/low blood pressure arising from a heart attack or related complications.

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Sudden loss of consciousness without responding to verbal commands suggests a potential cardiac arrest within the context of a heart attack, warranting prompt initiation of CPR. Immediate care is imperative, directing the patient to a hospital equipped with cardiac facilities. Time is of the essence, particularly within the first three to six hours, known as the golden hour. During this crucial period, the damage to the heart muscle can be reversed or prevented with timely attention and treatment.

The factors for heart attack can vary from person to person, and some individuals may have multiple risk factors. The causes of a heart attack can be categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors encompass conventional elements such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, with an increased tendency for heart attacks as individuals age. Post-menopausal women face an elevated risk, as do those with a strong family history of heart disease.

To mitigate the risk of a heart attack, certain lifestyle adjustments and behaviors are crucial. Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and undergoing frequent health checkups are paramount. A minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking five to six days a week is recommended. Monitoring and managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes through regular checkups are vital. Additionally, individuals with underlying risk factors should consider evaluations such as ECG, treadmill tests, or CT coronary angiograms if doubtful symptoms arise.

In conclusion, recognizing the early signs and risks of a heart attack is paramount for effective prevention and intervention. Whether experiencing classic symptoms like chest pain or atypical indicators such as sweating and breathing difficulties, prompt attention is crucial. The importance of staying calm, seeking immediate medical assistance, and understanding high-risk scenarios cannot be overstated. Timely action within the golden hour significantly impacts the outcome, potentially preventing or minimizing heart muscle damage. By fostering awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging swift responses, individuals can play a vital role in safeguarding their heart health and reducing the likelihood of a heart attack.

(Author: Dr. Chirag D, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru)

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