If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone may be having a heart attack, staying calm and taking the right steps immediately can significantly improve their outcome.
At Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your heart and the hearts of those you love.
Here’s what you need to know about what to do if you suspect someone is having a heart attack.
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked.
Common symptoms include:
It’s important to note that heart attack symptoms can vary. For instance, women, older adults, and people with diabetes may experience more subtle warning signs such as fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or mild shortness of breath without severe chest pain.
If you suspect a heart attack, assume it is one. Acting fast can save lives and reduce damage to the heart muscle.
The first and most important step is to call 911 (or your local emergency number) right away. Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself unless emergency services are unavailable.
Paramedics can begin life-saving treatment en route to the hospital, including oxygen, medications, and cardiac monitoring. Time is critical. The longer the heart lacks blood flow, the greater the damage.
While waiting for emergency responders, help the person stay calm and comfortable. Have them sit down and rest in a comfortable position, ideally upright with their back supported.
Loosen tight clothing, keep them calm, and reassure them that help is on the way. Many people report heightened anxiety during a cardiac event. Stress increases the heart’s workload, so maintaining a calm environment is significant.
Monitor for changes and stay on the line with emergency medical personnel for further instructions. If available, you may consider using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
These portable devices are user-friendly and designed for public use. Individuals with a cardiac history may have an AED for home use. They are also available in many schools, shopping centers, and other public places.
If an AED is nearby, turn it on and follow the step-by-step voice instructions. Safety features on the device ensure it will not deliver an electrical pulse unless the individual requires it.
The American Heart Association recommends caution when deciding whether to give aspirin during a suspected heart attack. In fact, they recommend waiting for medical approval before proceeding.
Aspirin helps thin the blood and may limit clot growth during a heart attack. However, certain types of stroke, aortic dissection (tear), and other serious conditions worsen with blood thinners like aspirin.
Thus, the American Heart Association recommends calling 911 or emergency services first and then following the instructions provided by medical personnel. Certainly, do not give aspirin if the person has a known allergy, has been advised by a doctor to avoid it, or is unconscious.
If instructed by the 911 operator or other medical personnel, you may give them one regular-strength (325 mg) aspirin or four low-dose (81 mg) tablets to chew slowly. Chewing helps the medication enter the bloodstream more quickly.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting to see if symptoms “go away.” Many individuals hesitate because they worry about embarrassment or assume it’s just heartburn or stress.
Delays in treatment significantly increase the risk of permanent heart damage or death.
If you have questions about your heart health or would like to schedule an evaluation, make an appointment at Premier Cardiology Consultants today. Your heart deserves expert care.
