Emergency Heart Care: What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack

17 Jul Emergency Heart Care: What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack

A heart attack is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing what to do can significantly improve outcomes and even save a life. While the thought of a heart attack can be frightening, being prepared and acting quickly are your best defenses.

Recognizing the Signs

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. However, it’s crucial to remember that symptoms can vary and may not always be severe. Be aware of:

• Chest Discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: With or without chest discomfort.
• Other Signs: Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, or sudden fatigue.

Women, in particular, may experience more subtle symptoms like unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, or indigestion, often without traditional chest pain.

Act FAST: Every Second Counts

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, do not hesitate. Immediate action is vital:

1. Call Emergency Services Immediately (e.g., 102 in India or your local emergency number): This is the single most important step. Do not try to drive yourself or the person to the hospital. Emergency responders can provide life-saving care on the way.
2. Chew and Swallow Aspirin (if not allergic): If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, have them chew and swallow one adult-strength (325 mg) aspirin or four low-dose (81 mg) chewable aspirins. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and can reduce damage to the heart muscle.
3. Stay Calm and Rest: Loosen any tight clothing. Encourage the person to remain calm and sit or lie down. Avoid any unnecessary exertion.
4. Be Prepared to Perform CPR (if trained): If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally, and you are trained, be ready to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until emergency medical help arrives.

The Importance of Expert Cardiac Care

Beyond immediate first aid, timely and expert medical intervention is paramount. Specialized knowledge and advanced techniques in cardiology are critical for diagnosing and treating heart conditions effectively.

For instance, in Kalyan, the cardiovascular medicine landscape has been significantly transformed by the expertise of Dr. Pankajkumar Ashok Kasar. With qualifications like MBBS, MD, FNB (Pediatric Cardiology), DNB (Cardiology), and AFESC, Dr. Pankajkumar Ashok Kasar brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the field. As a Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist with over 10 years of experience, Dr. Pankajkumar Ashok Kasar’s bold vision and unmatched energy have been instrumental in advancing cardiac care in the region.

Understanding the signs of a heart attack and knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Always seek professional medical advice for any heart-related concerns. Your heart health is invaluable.