Having a heart attack or watching someone have a heart attack is one of the scariest things a person can experience. It can seem like your life or theirs is flashing right before your eyes. Many people do not know what to do when they or another person is having a heart attack. Their first reaction is to panic, and this is not the reaction that needs to happen. It can be hard to stay calm in this situation, but it is the best thing you can do. This is true if you are the person having the heart attack or you are with a person who is having a heart attack. There are several different steps to take when a person has a heart attack. You can educate yourself on these steps and be prepared if you or a loved one has a heart attack. Anyone who has a family history of heart attack should always be prepared in case this happens to them or a relative.
People should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. This is especially true for people who have a history of heart attack or heart disease in their family. This will help you become able to recognize what is happening sooner and you can start taking the proper steps to ensuring your safety or that of a loved one. Look online and talk to a doctor about all of the possible symptoms. One important thing to note is that everyone exhibits different symptoms. Some symptoms can be more prominent in women more than men and it is important that you can recognize these symptoms.
One important part to remember if you or a loved one is having a heart attack is to not brush it off as something minor. Even if the symptoms that are being experienced are minor you should always get medical attention. Many people experience a minor heart attack within days of a major one. This serves as a warning sign and should not be taken lightly. If any symptoms of a heart attack are being exhibited you should get medical help. It is better to be safe and have a diagnosis than suffer a major heart attack and maybe even death.
If you or a loved one show any sings of a heart attack you should not drive yourself or your relative to the hospital. You could be endangering yourself and everyone else on the road. You should always call 911. Treatment can begin immediately in the ambulance which will ensure that your heart will get the least amount of damage. The people in the ambulance will also know the nearest hospital that is equipped to deal with cardiac arrest. Not all hospitals are equipped to deal with that situation.
You should take an aspirin or get your loved one an aspirin if at all possible once the heart attack sets in. You should keep a supply of full-strength aspirin at your house or in your purse. The person who is having a heart attack should chew and swallow with water as soon as symptoms start. This will help prevent damage and also help stop some clotting. Do not leave a person to go get aspirin if they need you. You should call 911 immediately and they can then administer medications. Only get the mediation if you will not be leaving the room that the person is in.
Being in a comfortable position can help with the symptoms of a heart attack. Get into a comfortable position or move your loved one into this position and loosen the clothes that you or the victim is wearing. This will make breathing easier and may help lessen the amount of stress that is caused by the heart attack.
Having a heart attack or watching a loved one have a heart attack can be terrifying. The best things to do is stay calm and call emergency services as soon as the symptoms begin. Make sure to have a plan of action and educate yourself on heart attack symptoms if there is a history of heart problems in the family. Taking the right steps if you or a loved one has a heart attack can ensure the safety and survival of the victim.