Guide to Heart Attack First Aid

A heart attack, also medically known as myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the heart muscles is blocked, leading to a lack of oxygen. This can cause substantial damage to the heart muscle and can even result in fatality if not treated swiftly.

Knowing how to react in such a situation can make all the difference and save a life. In this guide, we'll break down what a heart attack is, how to recognise the signs and the crucial first aid steps to follow.

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What is a Heart Attack?

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A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage often comes from a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the arteries, known as coronary artery disease (CAD). When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, which prevents blood from reaching the heart and leading to it. 

Blockages in blood flow can occur when cholesterol, fat, or other substances accumulate in the arteries, forming what is known as plaque. Over time, this plaque buildup restricts the blood's ability to reach the heart.

In some cases, the plaque may rupture, leading to the formation of a blood clot. This can result in a lack of oxygen throughout the body. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Common signs of a heart attack include chest pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. 

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Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: Know What It Is?

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Though heart attack and cardiac arrest have a few common symptoms, it's important to distinguish between the two conditions. While both are serious cardiac emergencies, they are different:

• Heart Attack: Caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the heart muscle, some of the symptoms of a heart attack oftentimes include chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and sweating.
• Cardiac Arrest: This condition typically occurs when the heart stops beating due to a malfunction, resulting in loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no breathing.

The key difference is that a heart attack doesn't always cause the heart to stop beating, but cardiac arrest always does. Heart attacks have a higher survival rate than cardiac arrest, but prompt action is critical in both cases.

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Common Causes of Heart Attack

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Several factors can lead up to a heart attack. Common causes include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Buildup of plaque in the arteries restricting blood flow.
• High Cholesterol and Diabetes: These conditions can worsen arterial health.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive stress are significant contributors.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Damages the arteries and heart, increasing the risk.
• Family History of Heart Disease: A genetic predisposition increases the likelihood.

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Recognising the Signs of Heart Attack

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The symptoms of a heart attack can be, but these are a few common warning signs:  

• Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as a pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest.
• Nausea or Indigestion: Sometimes confused with heartburn, these digestive issues may signal a heart attack.
• Pain: Pain radiating to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing even while resting.
• Fatigue or Dizziness: Feeling unusually tired or lightheaded.
• Cold Sweats: Feeling unusually sweaty, especially without physical exertion.

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Heart Attack First Aid

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If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, immediate action is crucial. Here's what you can do:

Call Emergency Services

‍Immediately dial your local emergency number, 108 in India. Time is of the essence, and professional medical help must be on the way.

Position the Person Comfortably

‍Have the person sit down or lie in a comfortable position. Ideally, they should rest with their knees bent and their back supported. This helps reduce strain on the heart.

Administer Aspirin (if appropriate)

‍If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give them a regular aspirin. Aspirin thins the blood and can help reduce further damage by preventing blood clots. Don't give aspirin if the person is allergic or if they have been advised against it by their doctor.

Monitor Symptoms

‍Stay with the person and keep an eye on their condition. If these symptoms worsen or they lose consciousness, you'll need to take further action.

Start CPR if Necessary

‍If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Begin chest compressions by pressing hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Aim for a rhythm of about 100-120 compressions per minute. This will help keep oxygen circulating in their body until emergency help arrives.

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How to Prevent Heart Attacks?

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Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of a heart attack:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid having excessive sugar, salt, processed food and saturated fats.
• Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity keeps your heart strong and improves circulation. Moderate exercise each day, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, also leads to a healthy heart.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can also add to heart disease. Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing also help to manage stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity raises the risk of heart disease. A healthy weight helps maintain ideal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk.
• Get regular check-ups: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can help catch potential issues early.

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Medications for Heart Attack Treatment

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There are several medications used to treat heart attacks and reduce the risk of complications. Keep an aspirin handy in your medical kit. One tablet of aspirin has been shown to reduce fatalities caused by heart attacks by 30%. 4-6 tablets of blood thinners alongside aspirin also help reduce the risks. Cholesterol medications are also often helpful.

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Debunking Common Misconceptions About Heart Attacks

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There are many misconceptions surrounding heart attacks. Let's address some of them:

Only Older Adults Have Heart Attacks

‍While age does increase the risk, younger individuals can also experience heart attacks, especially if they have risk factors like smoking, poor diet, and family history.

It's Best to Wait and See If Symptoms Improve

‍Never wait to see if symptoms subside. Always seek immediate medical attention. When the needed medical attention is received on time, the chances of recovery are higher.

Heart Attacks Always Involve Severe Chest Pain

‍While chest pain is common, some people may experience a heart attack without it, or they may experience mild symptoms, known as a "silent heart attack."

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Dr. Manjinder for Supporting Your Heart Health 

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Knowing how to respond to a heart attack can play an important role in saving lives. Knowing and recognising the symptoms early on, following the appropriate first aid steps, and seeking immediate medical help reduces the risk of complications caused by heart attacks and raises the chances survival of survival.

Share this information with your loved ones, and consider learning basic CPR and first aid skills yourself. Your quick actions could save a life when every second counts.

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Contact Dr. Manjinder for Heart Health 

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Protect yourself against heart attacks with expert guidance from Dr. Manjinder Sandhu. With his extensive experience and patient-centred approach, Dr. Sandhu can help you understand your risk factors and develop a personalised plan for prevention and care.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger heart.

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