What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
A heart attack should be taken seriously, some people may or may not show symptoms of having a heart attack. Should you feel as though you or someone else is having a heart attack, immediately call an ambulance in order to get the right medical help needed as this can be the difference between life and death.
The symptoms of a heart attack last longer than 30 minutes and some people who are having a heart attack may not display any symptoms at all, this is known as a silent myocardial infarction, it can occur in anyone but it more common in those with diabetes.
That being said, the following is a list of symptoms of a heart attack:
- Chest pain that feels like your chest is being squeezed or pressed by a heavy object, this pain can radiate from the neck, arms, back and jaw. Men specifically may feel a pain down their left arm.
- Feeling full and possibly experiencing indigestion that may feel like heartburn or even be choking.
- Starting to sweat and feeling dizzy, vomiting and nauseous.
- Having rapid or irregular heartbeats.
- Feeling extremely weak, emotions of anxiety can arise as well as a shortness of breath.
What to do when someone is having a heart attack
When someone is exhibiting the above symptoms, they may be having a heart attack. It is important to immediately seek medical assistance.
The person having the heart attack needs to be treated within two hours in order to increase their chances of recovery.
When you phone the ambulance, get the person to take an aspirin (unless they are allergic) as this may lower their risks of a blood clot. If they become unconscious, hands-only CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can almost double their chances of survival.
Quick treatment must be administered and can sometimes begin in the ambulance (once a heart attack is the confirmed diagnosis), the medical professionals will normally use medication to dissolve blood clots or perform surgery to help restore blood to the heart and possibly unclog the blocked artery.