First Aid for Heart Attack

Heart attack usually involves a clot in one of the blood vessels that supply the heart. The attack is sometimes called a coronary since there is a loss of blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle (by blockage of the coronary arteries). A heart attack may or may not be accompanied by loss of consciousness. If the attack is severe, the victim may die suddenly. The victim may have a history of heart disease, or the attack may come with little or no warning. Attacks with mild pain sometimes occur. The degree of pain is not a good indication of the seriousness of the disease.

Signs and symptoms of Heart Attack

1. Persistent chest pain, usually under the sternum (breastbone). The pain frequently radiates to one or both shoulders or arms or the neck or jaw or both.
2. Gasping and shortness of breath.
3. Extreme pallor or bluish discoloration of the lips, skin, and fingernail beds.
4. Extreme prostration.
5. Shock (as a rule)
6. Swelling of the ankles, which may be an indication of heart disease.

The two principal symptoms of an acute heart attack are pain (in the chest, upper abdomen, or down the left arm and shoulder) and extreme shortness of breath. The symptoms can occur together, but usually one or the other is stronger. Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting are often associated with a heart attack.

First Aid for Heart Attack

1. Place the victim in a comfortable position, usually sitting up, particularly if there is shortness of breath, although his comfort is good guide. Use a many pillows as needed.
2. Provide ventilation and guard against drafts and cold.
3. If the victim is not breathing, begin artificial respiration.
4. Have someone call for a ambulance equipped with oxygen, and have the victim’s own doctor notified.
5. If the victim has been under medical care, help him with his prescribed medicine. (Look for some form of emergency medical identification.) If in doubt, confer with a physician by telephone.
6. Do not give liquids to an unconscious victim.
7. Since transportation throws added strain upon the victim, do not attempt to transport him until you get medical advice, if available within a reasonable time.

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