A heart attack is known as a myocardial infarction, which is a severe medical emergency evolving from a condition of blockage in the supply of blood to the heart, resulting in a blood clot. The lack of blood in the heart results in serious health concerns by damaging the heart muscle. It can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Heart attack is an emergency condition that can be life-threatening and, hence, it should not be ignored. Immediate action needs to be taken if any symptoms of heart attack are observed. The symptoms vary as per the individual. Some of the common symptoms of heart attack are:
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Chest pain: It is a feeling with a sensation of pressure, more weight, tightness, and squeezing in the chest region.
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Pain affecting various body parts: Pain is felt in the body as it spreads from the chest to the arms, affecting both the left arm as well as both the arms, along with the jaw, neck, back and stomach.
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Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
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Sweating
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea and vomiting
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Anxiety
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Coughing or wheezing
The chest pain is often severe in most cases of heart attack, while some individuals may suffer from minor pain, showing similarity to the condition of indigestion. Chest pain is known to be the most common symptom for both men and women. Heart attacks in women most commonly manifest with common symptoms of shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back and jaw. Book an appointment with us for Cardiac treatment in Kolkata.
Things to be done in case of a Heart Attack Condition
Any heart attacks that are already underway cannot be stopped. Seeking immediate medical help is the only way of preventing complexities in health due to heart attack conditions. Therefore, anyone who is suspected of having any kind of heart attack should take immediate action by following some important measures which are illustrated below:
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One should immediately call 911 or their local emergency number: One should never ignore symptoms of a heart attack. If an ambulance is not available, one should take help from their neighbour to seek immediate medical help. Visit Manipal Hospitals and consult with our Cardiologist in Kolkata.
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Chewing or swallowing the aspirin: While waiting for medical help, it is recommended to take one aspirin and chew it before swallowing. Aspirin helps in preventing blood clots. It reduces the risk of damage to walls during a heart attack. Aspirin is avoided for people who are allergic to it or have been recommended to not take it by their healthcare provider.
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Intake of nitroglycerine, if recommended: If nitroglycerine is prescribed by the doctor and the individual believes that they are experiencing a heart attack, follow the directions on the prescription while waiting for emergency assistance.
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Beginning the CPR in case the person is not conscious: If the person is not breathing and if their pulse rate cannot be determined, CPR is initiated to keep the blood flowing after emergency help has arrived.
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Pushing hard and faster on the individual’s chest in a fast rhythm with around 100-120 compressions per minute.
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If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is immediately available and the individual is not conscious, the device instructions are followed for using it.
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Every individual should be prepared to deal with the conditions during a heat attack. Individuals should follow the following symptoms before any symptoms of heart attack.
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One should remember the common symptoms of heart attack along with their warning signs.
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911 is the emergency number that should be remembered by every individual and the call should be made within 5 minutes of the time of beginning.
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One should communicate with their family and friends regarding the warning signs and the need to call 911 immediately.
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Understanding of the related risk factors is important and different ways should be adopted to reduce them.
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One should implement a heart attack survival plan, including information about the medicines, the allergies, the doctor’s number, and how to contact people in case the person visits the hospital.
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In any emergency, one should always be careful to have someone as their dependent.
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CPR should be understood by everyone.
Dr. Prof. Partha Sarathi Banerjee
Consultant - Cardiology
Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake, Kolkata
