Raju Hospitals
Raju Hospitals
T.Nagar, Chennai.
T.Nagar, Chennai.
Jul 19, 2023
Jul 19, 2023
Heart health 101 - Decode the subtle signs of heart attack and know when to seek help
Heart health 101 - Decode the subtle signs of heart attack and know when to seek help
Recognising the subtle warning of heart attacks and acting promptly will help you in the race against time. Look beyond the classic signs to save lives.
Recognising the subtle warning of heart attacks and acting promptly will help you in the race against time. Look beyond the classic signs to save lives.
Heart attack is not an alien topic to us, thanks to its portrayal in the movies where the character experiences an ‘elephant on the chest’ kind-of pain and collapses. Though it is not far from the truth, it is not the whole story and not every case follows this formula. Nevertheless, thank the media for the emphasis on heart attack which is globally acclaimed as a life-threatening emergency.
Statistically, ‘more than half a billion people around the world continue to be affected by cardiovascular diseases, which accounted for 20.5 million deaths in 2021 – close to a third (32%) of all deaths globally’.
So, don’t wait until it’s too late!
It is important to catch the warnings which could be far from the telltale signs. Learning the signs of heart attack and when to seek help, will save lives.
What is a heart attack?
Heart muscles need oxygen to survive and function well. A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart which carries the required oxygen is significantly reduced or cut off completely.
The medical term for it is called ‘Myocardial infarction’.
Recognising the signs of heart attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and unmissable exhibiting the classic signs - chest pain, profuse sweating, and collapsing. However, in many cases, the signs are not very obvious and people fail to miss them. Some early signs that may be easy to shrug off could land you in emergencies such as follows,
Pressure and tightness in your chest
Pain extending to your arm, shoulder, jaw, neck, and back
Cold sweats
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Did you know?
Men are twice as likely to have heart attacks than women. When it comes to men vs women, it usually takes 7-10 years later for coronary artery diseases to develop in women. However, women experience more subtle symptoms and these less-obvious signs coupled with the misconception that women are not at risk to have heart attacks, is a recipe for danger.
Therefore, it recognising these signs is significant, as prompt actions could prevent death and decrease the damage to the heart.
Who is at risk for a heart attack?
Because of its commonality and its reputation of silent strikes, it is important to recognize the factors that put you at risk for a heart attack. Besides, knowing these risks gives you a chance at keeping them in check, impacting your overall health and well-being. Keep an eye out for the warning signs especially if you fall under the following risk factors,
Men over 45 years and women over 55 years of age
Smokers and long-term exposure to passive smoking
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels
High cholesterol levels could cause atherosclerosis - obstruction of blood vessels by the accumulation of fat
Obesity, which is mostly an epicentre for high BP, cholesterol, and diabetes
Family history of heart attacks
Unhealthy lifestyle including bad dietary habits and lack of exercise
History of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
In a woman with a history of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
When to seek help?
Usually, the not-so-serious symptoms are neglected and often people don’t head to the hospital. But, if you experience any of these warning signs, even vaguely and suspect having a heart attack, reach out for help right away.
The following steps should help you under such circumstances.
Step 1: Call an ambulance helpline number - 102 (or) emergency services helpline number - 108 immediately. If you have someone to help, tell them to take you to the hospital asap. Do not drive yourself unless it is the only option.
Step 2: If you are already under doctor’s care, you would have been prescribed nitroglycerine. Take the prescribed medicine sublingually. If not, take aspirin which should prevent blood clots, unless there is a medical history or reason not to.
Step 3: Stay calm. This is the most difficult thing to do. But alert your family of the weight of the situation and be patient until you reach the hospital.
How to help someone else having a heart attack?
Now that you are adept to handle such situations, stay vigilant so that you can help your friends and family. 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home. So, if anyone you care about is experiencing a heart attack, help them follow the same three steps. However, if they become unconscious, you might need to remain calm and act quickly.
Step 4: Check for their pulse and breathing. If you can’t find the pulse or if they stop breathing, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). If you are untrained, push hard and fast at the centre of the chest in a rhythm of up to 100-120 compressions per minute. But, if you are certified in CPR, pull up your socks and start with 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Repeat the process until help arrives.
If you delay seeking care, it could lead to potentially life-threatening situations. Minutes matter. Being aware, being prepared, and being prompt when it’s time for action are the keys to extending a lifetime in years.
Conclusion:
Heart attacks are scary. We all know someone who has experienced it, so you are not alone. Know that many people who have had heart attacks, have survived them and are leading a happy and productive life.
It is therefore crucial to know what to do when one experiences even the faintest signs of heart attack to safeguard them from the impending danger and save lives. Heed the warnings and seek help immediately. Every minute matters. It could save lives; even yours.
Heart attack is not an alien topic to us, thanks to its portrayal in the movies where the character experiences an ‘elephant on the chest’ kind-of pain and collapses. Though it is not far from the truth, it is not the whole story and not every case follows this formula. Nevertheless, thank the media for the emphasis on heart attack which is globally acclaimed as a life-threatening emergency.
Statistically, ‘more than half a billion people around the world continue to be affected by cardiovascular diseases, which accounted for 20.5 million deaths in 2021 – close to a third (32%) of all deaths globally’.
So, don’t wait until it’s too late!
It is important to catch the warnings which could be far from the telltale signs. Learning the signs of heart attack and when to seek help, will save lives.
What is a heart attack?
Heart muscles need oxygen to survive and function well. A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart which carries the required oxygen is significantly reduced or cut off completely.
The medical term for it is called ‘Myocardial infarction’.
Recognising the signs of heart attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and unmissable exhibiting the classic signs - chest pain, profuse sweating, and collapsing. However, in many cases, the signs are not very obvious and people fail to miss them. Some early signs that may be easy to shrug off could land you in emergencies such as follows,
Pressure and tightness in your chest
Pain extending to your arm, shoulder, jaw, neck, and back
Cold sweats
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Did you know?
Men are twice as likely to have heart attacks than women. When it comes to men vs women, it usually takes 7-10 years later for coronary artery diseases to develop in women. However, women experience more subtle symptoms and these less-obvious signs coupled with the misconception that women are not at risk to have heart attacks, is a recipe for danger.
Therefore, it recognising these signs is significant, as prompt actions could prevent death and decrease the damage to the heart.
Who is at risk for a heart attack?
Because of its commonality and its reputation of silent strikes, it is important to recognize the factors that put you at risk for a heart attack. Besides, knowing these risks gives you a chance at keeping them in check, impacting your overall health and well-being. Keep an eye out for the warning signs especially if you fall under the following risk factors,
Men over 45 years and women over 55 years of age
Smokers and long-term exposure to passive smoking
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels
High cholesterol levels could cause atherosclerosis - obstruction of blood vessels by the accumulation of fat
Obesity, which is mostly an epicentre for high BP, cholesterol, and diabetes
Family history of heart attacks
Unhealthy lifestyle including bad dietary habits and lack of exercise
History of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
In a woman with a history of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
When to seek help?
Usually, the not-so-serious symptoms are neglected and often people don’t head to the hospital. But, if you experience any of these warning signs, even vaguely and suspect having a heart attack, reach out for help right away.
The following steps should help you under such circumstances.
Step 1: Call an ambulance helpline number - 102 (or) emergency services helpline number - 108 immediately. If you have someone to help, tell them to take you to the hospital asap. Do not drive yourself unless it is the only option.
Step 2: If you are already under doctor’s care, you would have been prescribed nitroglycerine. Take the prescribed medicine sublingually. If not, take aspirin which should prevent blood clots, unless there is a medical history or reason not to.
Step 3: Stay calm. This is the most difficult thing to do. But alert your family of the weight of the situation and be patient until you reach the hospital.
How to help someone else having a heart attack?
Now that you are adept to handle such situations, stay vigilant so that you can help your friends and family. 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home. So, if anyone you care about is experiencing a heart attack, help them follow the same three steps. However, if they become unconscious, you might need to remain calm and act quickly.
Step 4: Check for their pulse and breathing. If you can’t find the pulse or if they stop breathing, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). If you are untrained, push hard and fast at the centre of the chest in a rhythm of up to 100-120 compressions per minute. But, if you are certified in CPR, pull up your socks and start with 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Repeat the process until help arrives.
If you delay seeking care, it could lead to potentially life-threatening situations. Minutes matter. Being aware, being prepared, and being prompt when it’s time for action are the keys to extending a lifetime in years.
Conclusion:
Heart attacks are scary. We all know someone who has experienced it, so you are not alone. Know that many people who have had heart attacks, have survived them and are leading a happy and productive life.
It is therefore crucial to know what to do when one experiences even the faintest signs of heart attack to safeguard them from the impending danger and save lives. Heed the warnings and seek help immediately. Every minute matters. It could save lives; even yours.
