Heart attack – how to recognize, react and help?

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world.A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is one of the deadliest cardiac events.It is worth knowing the risk factors, symptoms and basic first aid rules that can save the life of a person suffering from this sudden disease.

Heart attack – risk factors

Before discussing first aid for a heart attack, it is worth understanding what factors may predispose to the occurrence of this dangerous event.Some of the most important risk factors are:

• Smoking
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart disease
• Stress
• Age (older people are more at risk)

Symptoms of a heart attack

The most important element in diagnosing a heart attack is awareness of the symptoms.Remember that symptoms may vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for:

• Severe chest pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw or back
• Dyspnoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Acid burping
• Sweating and feeling anxious

If you suspect you or someone else is having heart attack symptoms, do not delay and call for medical help immediately.Every minute is valuable in saving lives.

First aid in case of suspected heart attack

When you suspect a heart attack, taking appropriate action immediately can significantly impact the victim’s chances of survival.Here are the steps you should take:

1. Call the emergency number – call an ambulance, informing about a suspected heart attack.
2. Place the injured person in a comfortable position, preferably sitting or semi-sitting.
3. If the injured person has heart attack medications (e.g. nitroglycerin) and is able to do so, help him or her take the prescribed medications.
4. If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you have the skills.

Your suggestions

If you suspect a heart attack, every second is important, so don’t hesitate to act.In addition to basic knowledge of first aid, it is also worth completing a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course, which may be useful in emergency cases.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about heart health, please read the following articles:

• “Cardiac diet – how to take care of your heart through proper nutrition”
• “Physical activity and a healthy heart – how to exercise safely”
• “How to control cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease”

Knowing first aid for heart attacks can save your life.Remember to undergo regular check-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing this dangerous disease.