First Aid For Heart Attack

Your heart muscle requires a steady supply of blood and oxygen. A heart attack occurs when that supply is interrupted or blocked. The release of a blood clot from hardened coronary arteries is often the culprit. Many illnesses, as well as drugs, especially cocaine and contraceptive pill usage, can cause a heart attack. Prompt medical attention can save heart muscles from dying. A blocked artery must be opened quickly by medications or surgery at a recognized Chest Pain Center hospital. Specialized care may include hypothermia.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing sensation in mid-chest, shoulder, jaw, back, stomach or arms
- Irregular heart rate (palpitations)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sweating
- Pale ashen skin
- Shortness breath
- Anxiety, sense of impending doom

Note: Not all the signs and symptoms occur in every heart attack. Women, diabetics and the elderly often report vague and non-typical symptoms.

Tips:
- Do not attempt to relieve pain by walking or stretching.
- Do not force victim into uncomfortable position.
- Do not give anything by mouth except victim's prescription medication for chest pain, such as nitroglycerin or aspirin.
- Do not leave victim alone.
- Call for medical help. Time lost is muscle lost.

- If victim is unresponsive and not breathing:
- Use AED, if immediately available.
- If AED is unavailable, call for medical help before starting CPR.

- If responsive:
- Loosen clothing and assist with victim's medication.
- Comfort and reassure victim while keeping warm.

- If you suspect it is heart pain and not contraindicated (e.g.: stroke, recent bleeding, allergy) encourage the victim to chew 2 ‘baby’ aspirins (low dose) or 1 adult aspirin. If uncertain, no aspirin.
- Monitor responsiveness and breathing until help arrives.