Heart Emergency & What to Do

A heart emergency is a critical medical situation that requires immediate attention and response. The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body, and any interruption to its normal functioning can lead to life-threatening consequences. Understanding how to recognize the signs of a heart emergency and knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in saving lives.

Recognizing the Signs

Leading cardiac surgeon Dr. Ramji Mehrotra says that recognizing the signs of a heart emergency is crucial in initiating prompt action. The common symptoms of a heart attack are:

Ø  Chest pain or discomfort: This could manifest as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest, which may last for a few minutes or come and go.

Ø  Pain or discomfort in other areas: The pain may spread to the arms (usually the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Ø  Shortness of breath: Experiencing difficulty in breathing, especially when combined with chest discomfort.

Ø  Cold sweat: Profuse sweating, even when the ambient temperature is not particularly high.

Ø  Nausea or lightheadedness: Feeling nauseous or dizzy, potentially leading to fainting.

Taking Action

When you suspect someone is experiencing a heart emergency, immediate action is vital. Dr Ramji Mehrotra suggests following the steps below to help the person and seek medical assistance:

Ø  Call for ambulance and inform nearest hospital: The first and most crucial step is to call for emergency medical help by dialing ambulance number 102. Also, inform the nearest hospital and provide them with all the necessary information about the situation.

Ø  Stay Calm: While waiting for medical help to arrive, try to keep the affected person as calm and comfortable as possible.

Ø  Administer Aspirin: If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, have them chew an uncoated aspirin (usually 325 mg). Aspirin can help to prevent blood clotting and reduce the severity of a heart attack.

Ø  Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the person is unconscious and not breathing, it is essential to begin CPR. If you are not trained in CPR, follow the instructions of the emergency operator until professional help arrives.

Conclusion

In a heart emergency swift action is essential. It is also important to have the knowledge of what to do in such situations. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical assistance can make a life-saving difference. By staying informed and proactive, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the devastating consequences of heart-related emergencies.