First Aid for Heart Attack: What to Do And Not to Do

A heart attack is one of the most common reasons people die suddenly. It is a medical condition when a specific part of the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and becomes numb. Most often, the heart attacks are mild, and the concerned person can be easily saved, provided you give the proper treatment.

But you cannot go to the doctor immediately after realizing the person has suffered a heart attack. Every minute is critical for life, so you must know first aid for heart attack. In the following section, we will discuss the essential things to do and what not to do in detail.

What Are The Causes Of Heart Attack?

A myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack, happens when the blood circulation to the heart is obstructed. Numerous reasons can cause heart attacks, such as:

• Atherosclerosis (Artery disease)

• Hypertension

• Tobacco consumption

• Overweight

• Diabetes

• Elevated levels of cholesterol

• A family history of heart disease

• Inactivity

• Anxiety and tension

• Excessive drinking

• Using illegal drugs

These factors can result in the development of blockages in the arteries, which can ultimately burst and trigger a heart attack. It is crucial to control these risk factors to prevent heart attacks and maintain optimal health.

How To Recognize Heart Attack?

An instance of heart attack takes place when the blood circulation to the heart muscle is blocked. It is a critical medical emergency that requires urgent attention. Some frequent indications of a heart attack comprise:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Upper body pain

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

First Aid For Heart Attack

Heart attacks are major medical emergencies that one must attend to immediately. Knowing first aid for heart attack can help you save a life.

What To Do If Heart Attack Occurs? 

The actions you should take if you believe someone is experiencing a heart attack are as follows:

• Immediately dial EMS (emergency medical services). Don't hesitate to call for assistance because time is essential for treating a heart attack.

• Assist the individual in finding a comfortable seating position and help them take off any restrictive garments.

• Give the person one chewable aspirin pill if they are not allergic to it. It may lessen blood clotting and increase heart-healthy blood flow.

• Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately if the person is unconscious and not breathing. It entails chest compressions and rescue breathing to sustain blood and oxygen flow to the brain and other essential organs.

• Till aid arrives, stay with the person and maintain their composure. Reassure them, show them support, and assure them they are not alone.

What Not To Do If Heart Attack Occurs?

If someone experiences a heart attack, there are specific actions you should refrain from taking, such as:

• Panicking: It's crucial to remain composed and attentive to offer initial medical assistance.

• Leaving the person unattended: Stick with the individual and soothe them until medical assistance arrives.

• Allowing the person to drive, walk, or run to the hospital: Excessive movement can exacerbate heart stress and deteriorate the situation.

• Ignoring the symptoms: Don't presume the indications are merely a temporary bout of flatulence or heartburn. Take them earnestly and promptly consult a medical professional.

How To Prevent Heart Attack?

Heart attack prevention is crucial for a high living standard and excellent health. The following actions can help lower your chance of having a heart attack:

• Quit smoking and tobacco: Smoking and using tobacco can considerably increase your chance of heart attack. One of the most crucial actions to safeguard your heart is to stop smoking.

• Do Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can lower the likelihood of heart attack and maintain your heart healthy. Get around thirty minutes of exercise daily.

• Take a Healthy Diet for Heart: Your chance of having a heart attack can decrease by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

• Reduce Your Weight: Obesity or being overweight can raise your risk of a heart attack. This risk can decrease by losing weight through diet and exercise.

• Take Good Sleep: Getting adequate sleep for overall health, including heart health, is crucial. Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.

• Stay Away from Stress: The possibility of a heart attack can grow with ongoing stress. Look for healthy stress-reduction strategies like physical activity, meditation, or quality time with loved ones.

• Get regular health Checkups: High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two risk factors for heart attacks that can be identified and managed with regular checks with your healthcare professional.

Conclusion

With the first aid for heart attack described here, you won't have any problem providing the initial treatment to the patient. Follow the steps described here so the patient can stay safe until the ambulance arrives and you take them to the doctor. 

Alarming Facts For Heart Attack

1. There is one death every 4 minutes in India due to road accidents
2. A person suffers a brain stroke, every 4 minutes
3. A person dies every 33 seconds due to a heart attack in India

Over 70,000 lives can be potentially saved if bystanders come forward to help

Lend a helping hand with the law by your side

As per the Good Samaritan Law –

1. You will not be liable for any civil or criminal action for any injury or death of the victim
2. If you inform the police or emergency service regarding an injured person you can not be compelled to reveal your personal details
3. There is the provision of disciplinary action against public officials who coerce Good Samaritan to reveal personal details

To get the fastest response for any medical emergency Call 011-40554055

1. 24x7 Central Emergency Response Centre
2. Fully-equipped Max Bike Responder for immediate medical attention
3. Advanced life support ambulance follows
4. Multidisciplinary team for heart attack, brain stroke, trauma, and other medical emergencies

Delhi NCR’s largest & fastest Emergency Response Team

Other First Aid Facilities Provided by Max Healthcare: 

• First Aid For Trauma
• Dislocation First Aid
• Head Injury First Aid
• Blister First Aid
• Bruise First Aid
• Choking First Aid
• Black Eye First Aid
• First Aid for Dog Bite
• Poisoning First Aid
• First Aid for Burns
• First Aid Kit for Sting and Snake Bite
• First Aid for Insect Bites and Stings
• First Aid For Nose Bleeding
• First Aid for Cuts and Wounds