Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Symptoms of a Heart Attack and How to Recognize Them
Most people have only ever seen a heart attack take place on television, in a soap opera. They cannot tell whether it is a mild heart attack or a massive coronary arrest. Angina Pectoris is also a heart related disease, which is sometimes misrepresented by television programs, as it does have some symptoms of a heart attack. Angina pectoris actually means 'a constriction of the chest'.
Heart attacks are caused by an obstruction of flow to the muscle of the heart. Angina is the blockage of the arteries, which does block the flow of blood, but is not actually affecting the muscle of the heart. Coronary thrombosis, is probably the most common of causes for heart attacks, this is a clot getting stuck, in the coronary artery.
The effects and the symptoms of a heart attack are all to do with the muscle or the arteries. People who?s heart muscle is weak, will probably have more lasting damage, than some one who has a clot or blocked artery. Both types are life changing, and things like diet, smoking, drinking and exercise will have to be taken into consideration after a heart attack (or before if you want to take preventative methods). People have to stick with it as well if they don?t want heart disease symptoms a second time.
Symptoms of a heart attack do not appear on cue and rarely do people expect heart attacks to happen at all, but when they do, they can be recognized by some of following these things -chest pains that have been likened to being hit by a sledge hammer, that holds tight and moves down both or just one arm. People suffering from angina also feel this type of pain, but when they rest it is relieved, not so if you have a heart attack. Not being able to catch your breath and abdominal pain are also symptoms and people can collapse with no warning whatsoever.
If someone's skin suddenly goes an ashen color and their lips go blue, they will probably need your help anyway, but this can also be the symptoms of a heart attack, generally not on their own, but if they also feel faint and dizzy watch out. The pulse will be weak, rapid or just irregular so always check someone's pulse, if it's all three - pray! Profuse sweating and skin that is clammy to the touch along with extreme gasping for air are more symptoms of a heart attack.
Not every heart disease symptom is a physical one, some people feel an undeniable sense of doom, they are not just being morbid, they are having a heart attack. Try to calm them, by talking to them and giving them some reassurance that help is on the way, try to relax them.
The first thing to do should be the most obvious, but not everybody does it - call an ambulance, as the person having the attack, is going to need it. After that, put them in a comfortable position, this is best as a half seated position, on the floor with something against their back and supporting the shoulders. Place something under the knees, to raise them slightly and bring the hands together on the abdomen. Take the persons vital signs, level of response, check breath and pulse. The vitals should be taken at regular intervals, until the ambulance arrives.
If someone has medication on them, for their condition, let them take it or help them take it if need be. Always talk to the victim and give them reassurance, this is just as important as all the other vital stuff. So now you know how to look after a heart attack victim, until the ambulance arrives, you can maybe even save someones life.
Heart attacks are caused by an obstruction of flow to the muscle of the heart. Angina is the blockage of the arteries, which does block the flow of blood, but is not actually affecting the muscle of the heart. Coronary thrombosis, is probably the most common of causes for heart attacks, this is a clot getting stuck, in the coronary artery.
The effects and the symptoms of a heart attack are all to do with the muscle or the arteries. People who?s heart muscle is weak, will probably have more lasting damage, than some one who has a clot or blocked artery. Both types are life changing, and things like diet, smoking, drinking and exercise will have to be taken into consideration after a heart attack (or before if you want to take preventative methods). People have to stick with it as well if they don?t want heart disease symptoms a second time.
Symptoms of a heart attack do not appear on cue and rarely do people expect heart attacks to happen at all, but when they do, they can be recognized by some of following these things -chest pains that have been likened to being hit by a sledge hammer, that holds tight and moves down both or just one arm. People suffering from angina also feel this type of pain, but when they rest it is relieved, not so if you have a heart attack. Not being able to catch your breath and abdominal pain are also symptoms and people can collapse with no warning whatsoever.
If someone's skin suddenly goes an ashen color and their lips go blue, they will probably need your help anyway, but this can also be the symptoms of a heart attack, generally not on their own, but if they also feel faint and dizzy watch out. The pulse will be weak, rapid or just irregular so always check someone's pulse, if it's all three - pray! Profuse sweating and skin that is clammy to the touch along with extreme gasping for air are more symptoms of a heart attack.
Not every heart disease symptom is a physical one, some people feel an undeniable sense of doom, they are not just being morbid, they are having a heart attack. Try to calm them, by talking to them and giving them some reassurance that help is on the way, try to relax them.
The first thing to do should be the most obvious, but not everybody does it - call an ambulance, as the person having the attack, is going to need it. After that, put them in a comfortable position, this is best as a half seated position, on the floor with something against their back and supporting the shoulders. Place something under the knees, to raise them slightly and bring the hands together on the abdomen. Take the persons vital signs, level of response, check breath and pulse. The vitals should be taken at regular intervals, until the ambulance arrives.
If someone has medication on them, for their condition, let them take it or help them take it if need be. Always talk to the victim and give them reassurance, this is just as important as all the other vital stuff. So now you know how to look after a heart attack victim, until the ambulance arrives, you can maybe even save someones life.
About the Author:
If you are searching for health related tips and advice, you are welcome to pay us a visit on our health in general related website where you can browse at your leisure.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment