jaffcat
Slightly Addicted
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Is it a Heart Attack?
Q: What is a Heart Attack
A: A Heart Attack is caused by a blockage in one of the main arteries that feeds the heart with blood. This blockage prevents or severely restricts blood flow to the muscle wall of the heart, thus preventing the heart from pumping blood around the body effectively.
Q: Is a Heart Attack Serious
A: A Heart Attack is a life threatening condition, do not visit or call your GP if you think you are having a Heart Attack. Call 999 immediately. Every minute that the condition is being left untreated could be causing permanent damage to the heart.
Q: How do I know if it's a Heart Attack
A: The symptoms of a Heart Attack are a little different for everybody, but you must assume that a Heart Attack is happening if any of the following are present: Chest Pain, Chest Tightness, a Pressure on the Chest, these sensations/pains may radiate into the arms, jaw, back or stomach. Some people will have excruciation pain, whilst others will have just a mild discomfort.
Q: Should I take anything to help
A: If you have Aspirin close to hand and you are not allergic to it then yes it can help. One tablet (300mg) should be chewed up and then swallowed. This should only be done after an Ambulance has been called. Do not delay in getting help on its way. Asprin should be used with caution if the person has an ACTIVE bleeding stomach ulcer
Q: What else can I do
A: Whilst waiting for the Ambulance try to rest and keep calm, if you panic and move around too much your body will need more oxygen. This in turn will increase your heart rate, making the heart work harder when it is already suffering injury
Q: What happens next
A: The Ambulance crew will treat your condition, by monitoring your heart rhythm, giving medication as needed, usually Aspirin, Morphine and Oxygen. They will then take you to the closest hospital that can deal with your condition. Many patients suffering a Heart Attack are taken direct to a Cardiac unit, bypassing the local A & E department, but this does depend on your location. Upon arrival at the hospital, they will reassess your condition and treat with the most appropriate method for you. This could be “clot Busting” drugs to dissolve the blockage or they might perform a small surgical procedure, where a wire is routed up to the clot in the Heart and a small wire mesh is expanded to open up the blocked artery
British Heart Foundation - View Publication
Q: What is a Heart Attack
A: A Heart Attack is caused by a blockage in one of the main arteries that feeds the heart with blood. This blockage prevents or severely restricts blood flow to the muscle wall of the heart, thus preventing the heart from pumping blood around the body effectively.
Q: Is a Heart Attack Serious
A: A Heart Attack is a life threatening condition, do not visit or call your GP if you think you are having a Heart Attack. Call 999 immediately. Every minute that the condition is being left untreated could be causing permanent damage to the heart.
Q: How do I know if it's a Heart Attack
A: The symptoms of a Heart Attack are a little different for everybody, but you must assume that a Heart Attack is happening if any of the following are present: Chest Pain, Chest Tightness, a Pressure on the Chest, these sensations/pains may radiate into the arms, jaw, back or stomach. Some people will have excruciation pain, whilst others will have just a mild discomfort.
Q: Should I take anything to help
A: If you have Aspirin close to hand and you are not allergic to it then yes it can help. One tablet (300mg) should be chewed up and then swallowed. This should only be done after an Ambulance has been called. Do not delay in getting help on its way. Asprin should be used with caution if the person has an ACTIVE bleeding stomach ulcer
Q: What else can I do
A: Whilst waiting for the Ambulance try to rest and keep calm, if you panic and move around too much your body will need more oxygen. This in turn will increase your heart rate, making the heart work harder when it is already suffering injury
Q: What happens next
A: The Ambulance crew will treat your condition, by monitoring your heart rhythm, giving medication as needed, usually Aspirin, Morphine and Oxygen. They will then take you to the closest hospital that can deal with your condition. Many patients suffering a Heart Attack are taken direct to a Cardiac unit, bypassing the local A & E department, but this does depend on your location. Upon arrival at the hospital, they will reassess your condition and treat with the most appropriate method for you. This could be “clot Busting” drugs to dissolve the blockage or they might perform a small surgical procedure, where a wire is routed up to the clot in the Heart and a small wire mesh is expanded to open up the blocked artery
British Heart Foundation - View Publication
