In case of Emergency

CRITICAL MOMENTS

Symptoms of a heart attack can be confusing. The most common cardiac arrest symptoms have been listed below:

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.

Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, back or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders (Pain areas in a heart attack).

Indigestion; particularly if indigestion is unusual for you, if it does not respond to antacids, or if you do not associate its occurrence with eating.

Chest discomfort with light headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold, sweaty skin.

Paleness or pallor.

Increased or irregular heart rate.

Feeling of impending doom.

Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. IF YOU NOTICE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SIGNS IN YOURSELF OR OTHERS, DON’T WAIT. CALL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES RIGHT AWAY! In the event of cardiopulmonary arrest (no breathing or pulse), begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

Not all kind of pain is a cardiac attack, sometimes or more often it’s a condition called Angina Pectoris or Angina which is a precursor to heart attack.

In medical terms Angina is a result of Ischemia – lack of blood to the heart muscles and hence the lack of oxygen.

When is it an Angina Pectoris and not a cardiac attack?

·         Physical exertion

·         During stress

·         Emotionally charged situation

·         Cold weather

·         After a big meal

The heart beats faster in these situations.

The pain is quite distinct. It is described as: “a heavy, strangulating, suffocating experience-far more intense than anything like indigestion, chest wall injuries, pleurisy or spasms of the esophagus that you are familiar with.”

When you feel you are having an angina, it helps if you place nitroglycerine under the tongue. Angina pain usually does not last more than 15 minutes. If pain persists it’s advisable to seek medical help immediately.

And if you have already had an attack and are under medication you MUST carry your medical documents wherever you go!! Yes, you need to take it to your workplace as well. NOW WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE GETTING A HEART ATTACK:

1.    Pop in aspirin to limit the extent of the attack.

(ASPIRIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO THE DRUG)