What is the First Aid for Heart Attack?

• Written by Care Health Insurance

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The heart is a vital organ, and when the supply of blood to this organ stops, it leads to a heart attack. It can become fatal. Severe chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack, which is why one should never ignore it. If someone is experiencing a heart attack, then every moment counts, and getting immediate medical attention should be the first thing to do. Having the right medical knowledge about this medical condition would enable you to save a life in an emergency by providing first aid for heart attack.

Here is a guide to follow and know more about the first aid for heart attack and giving timely medical attention. 

Know the Symptoms of Heart Attack

It is crucial to understand the visible symptoms a person might show in case of a heart attack. Some of the warning signs of heart attack are:

• Squeezing pain, fullness or pressure in the centre part of the chest
• Pain, tightness or discomfort in the shoulders, arms, back, neck or jaw
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Irregular Heart Rate

Sometimes, there could be no symptoms. And, if there is a pain, it could be mild or severe. Moreover, the signs in women could be different. In many cases, women do not experience any symptoms. They may experience indigestion or heartburn, and thus tend to ignore it.

What To Do If Someone Is Having A Heart Attack?

Providing medical treatment within the first hour after a heart attack is crucial as it increases the chances of recovery. Delays can result in damages that could be irreversible. It could lead to a cardiac arrest where there is a stoppage of heartbeat, resulting in death. In many cases, a heart attack results in death owing to the lack of first aid.

Here are essential things to remember about first aid for heart attack: 

• Make the person sit down calmly, and loosen tight clothing
• Call for emergency help and take the person to the nearest hospital
• One should not leave a person alone except for seeking prompt medical attention
• Do not offer anything to eat except for heart medicine prescribed by a doctor
• Make the person cough repetitively in case of shortness of breath
• The person can chew and swallow an aspirin if he or she is not allergic
• Monitor the breathing and pulse of the person 
• Perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) if the person is unconscious/ not responding

Note: The information given in this article is only for reference purposes. Please consult with your doctor.

Useful Health Tips

It is essential to take the required healthcare measures to prevent the onset of heart disease, irrespective of gender, and age. Besides hereditary reasons, there are various risk factors for heart diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. By leading a healthy lifestyle, one can keep heart ailments at bay. That includes regular exercise, following a nutritious diet, reducing alcohol intake, and managing blood sugar levels.

Take the right measures to safeguard heart health. If you or your loved one has a pre-existing heart ailment, you can avail of ‘Care Heart’ by Care Health Insurance, which is a customised heart insurance cover with numerous benefits including cover for hospital expenses and cardiac health check-up.

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Heart Attack is subject to policy terms and conditions.