How To Spot And Treat A Heart Attack
Updated On Dec 04, 2020
When we talk about a Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack, they are two very unique concepts. Heart attack, also known as Myocardial Infarction, is a condition when the heart muscles do not receive oxygen due to reduced or no blood flow. The blockage restricts the flow of blood in the arteries. A heart attack may in the very end lead to Cardiac arrest. Cardiac Arrest is defined as the condition when the heart stops beating altogether.
Why Is Spotting A Heart Attack Important?
Heart Attack is a known medical emergency, and if spotted quickly, the situation can be very easily controlled and treated. At moments, the symptoms of gastric disorder and heart attack seem to be somewhat similar, so spotting a heart attack becomes very important. Here one is a very generic disease that can be easily controlled by taking common medication where one heart attack may lead to death.
How to Spot a Heart Attack?
Prevention is always better than cure. In the case of deadly disorders, this becomes even more meaningful. The coronary disorders, specifically heart attack, give indications before long before the event happens. The common symptoms that are experienced are as follows:
- Breathlessness.
- Experience of pressure, tightness, pain in the chest, and back region.
- Excessive sweating.
- Vomiting.
- Feeling or anxiety attack or a panic attack.
- Symptoms of fluid fill-up in the lungs.
- Pain moves to the arm and neck.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
The above-given symptoms are never constant, and with time they usually come and go. They may or may not be there for a long time for a complete clinical diagnosis.
Heart Attack Diagnosis
If you are experiencing the above-given symptoms for some time, you should consult a doctor. Two tests are used as a diagnostic tool for heart attack or predicting the risk of a heart attack. These tests are:
- Electrocardiogram: The test uses 6 leaves attached to the hands and legs along with the chest. This completes a closed circuit. They monitor the electrical signal traveling through the heart, and since the injured part of the muscle cannot transmit, it is identified.
- Blood Test: Specific heart protein is found in the blood when a heart attack happens. These are there even when the patient might not have felt the heart attack.
Heart Attack Treatment
The condition of a heart attack is a proper medical emergency. Still, if medical personnel is not available, then the first step should be to call emergency services and request an ambulance.
Attempt CPR or manual compression if you feel the heart stop or waning.
If you are a trained paramedic and the heart has stopped, it is recommended to go for an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
Once in a medical setting, the following steps are followed:
- Blood thinners are given to the patient to dissolve the clots formed.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is done.
- Open Chest CABG is done if the case requires it.
Conclusion
A heart attack is a very serious condition, and most of the time, people don’t see it coming or even feel it when it is inside the house. It is best to look out for symptoms and tackle it beforehand.
You May Also Like To Read:
Understand No Claim Bonus in Health Insurance
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
