As if the thought of having a heart attack is alarming, imagine what would happen if one was all alone. Thankfully, it is possible to survive a solo heart attack. The odds increase if one immediately recognizes the symptoms and takes prompt measures. The first few hours after a heart attack is critical. Learn about heart attack warning signs and what to do if symptoms strike when one is alone.
To provide one with helpful information, here are important steps one must take to prevent a possible heart attack from progressing into something worse, explained by Dr. Sujay Shad, Best Cardiac Surgeon in Delhi, India. Read on for more helpful insights.
Tips to Survive a Heart Attack
1. Call 911/ or local helpline number
The most important thing to do when one could be having a heart attack is to dial 911. Before attempting to contact anyone else, always dial 911. Calling 911 will always be the fastest way to get treatment. Even if one lives in a location where an ambulance may have difficulty getting to, the emergency dispatcher can provide instructions on minimizing the damage.
2. Chew Aspirin
One can chew and swallow a single 325 mg or two tablets of baby aspirin 81 mg. If one chews aspirin within 30 minutes of experiencing the first symptoms, it will work exceptionally well. Aspirin controls platelet formation. The development of blood clots that could further block the arteries after a heart attack can be delayed by taking aspirin. Aspirin should be chewed before being digested. One should NOT use this treatment if they are on a medication that interacts poorly with aspirin or have been told by the doctor not to take aspirin or if one is allergic to it. If one is allergic to aspirin, one can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the Best Cardiac Surgeon in Delhi, to know other alternatives.
3. Take a Deep Breathe of Fresh Air
Breathing slowly and deeply is the best method to ensure that the blood and heart constantly receive enough oxygen. Additionally, taking slow, deep breaths has a relaxing impact that moderates the heart rate and helps one to act rationally. Try lying in front of an open door, window, fan, or air conditioner if one is indoors. Continually breathing fresh air can also help the heart get the oxygen it needs.
4. Avoid Attempting Cough CPR
The idea that one may survive a heart attack on their own by coughing in a certain way is a popular myth. Likely, this won't work; to make matters worse, using this technique can put one in more danger. If one tries this on their own, one can accidentality work against the heart's rhythm, which would make it more difficult to get oxygen into the blood.
5. Lie Down Calmly
One can lie on their back and raise their legs upward. This helps to open the diaphragm, making it easier for one to breathe and supply oxygen to the blood. To make the position easier to maintain, one can use a pillow or other object to support the legs. One can also lie down with their legs on a couch or a chair.
6. One Should Not Apply Pressure on their Chest
Similar to coughing repeatedly will not help during a heart attack, applying pressure on the chest area during a heart attack is unlikely to help too, unless the individual’s heart has stopped beating, i.e., cardiac arrest. Therefore, one should avoid doing that.
What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
To know if one is suffering from a heart attack, one needs to be able to identify its symptoms. Some of the symptoms of a heart attack are:
Severe chest pain (heaviness or pressing) at the left part of the chest, lasting for around 20 minutes,
Excessive sweating
Pain that passes to the left upper arm, neck, or jaw.
However, elderly females with diabetes may develop non-classical heart attack symptoms such as mild chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and pain in the upper central portion of the abdomen.
Read: Difference Between a Cardiologist and a Cardiac Surgeon
Conclusion
One should get immediate treatment for the heart attack within the first hour of initial symptoms. If one waits for longer, the heart will have more trouble repairing the damage in the heart's muscles. It is also essential for one to talk to a doctor about reducing the risks of experiencing other heart diseases through diet, exercise/cardiac rehab, sleep, and other lifestyle changes. To learn more about the preventive measures one must take for such an instance, one can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the Best Heart Doctor in Delhi. He is a Professor and Senior Consultant of Cardiac Surgery and Director of Cardiac Transplants at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
He has also performed various heart surgeries for his patients. He has expertise in surgeries such as coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, aortic surgery, Septal Myectomy for HOCM, and many more. To learn more tips on having a safe and healthy heart, one can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of the renowned heart hospitals in Delhi. Book an appointment now to know more.
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