The Signs of A Heart Attack
If you’re a caregiver for someone who’s at risk of developing heart disease, being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is important.
In this video, we’ll go over the signs of a heart attack, explain what to do if you think the person you’re caring for is having one, and give you a few tips on how to help prevent a heart attack from happening in the future.
If you’re a caregiver for someone who’s at risk of developing heart disease, being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is important.
In this video, we’ll go over the signs of a heart attack, explain what to do if you think the person you’re caring for is having one, and give you a few tips on how to help prevent a heart attack from happening in the future.
A heart attack is when there is not enough blood and oxygen flowing to the heart muscles.
Heart attacks are sometimes confused with cardiac arrest, which is when the blood and oxygen flow to the heart stops completely, or angina (an-jye-na), which is when there is a temporary lack of blood flow to the heart causing chest pain.
It’s important to note that these conditions are not the same thing; cardiac arrest requires CPR, while a heart attack, angina, and stroke do not.
Here are some of the main signs of a heart attack to look out for:
● Pain or pressure in the chest
● Sweating
● Discomfort in the upper body, including the neck, jaw, arms, and back
● Nausea
● Headache
● Dizziness
● Heartburn
● Shortness of breath
● Pain in one or both of the arms
These signs are usually the same for both genders, but women may also have some other symptoms that aren’t as easy to spot. Some of these include:
● Less severe chest pain
● Feelings of indigestion
● Sudden, intense tiredness
● Pain in the jaw, stomach, or upper back
If you think the person you’re caring for might be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Get them to stop what they’re doing and either sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
If they have a medication like nitroglycerin for chest pain, help them take it.
Aspirin thins the blood and prevents clotting, so if there is some available give them the recommended dose on the bottle. Make sure not to give them any other aspirin-like medications, such as Advil or Tylenol.
Try to keep them calm by talking in a normal tone of voice and assuring them that help is on the way.
The best way to help the person you’re caring for avoid having a heart attack is to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Make sure that their meals are balanced and nutritious, and that they maintain a healthy weight.
Get them to engage in physical activity at least once a day, even if it’s just walking or stretching.
If they’re a smoker, encourage them to quit as soon as possible. Cutting back on alcohol is also a good idea.
Try to make sure they keep their stress levels under control, and suggest using relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing anytime they seem stressed out.
If the person you’re caring for is recovering from a heart attack, help them ease back into a normal routine. Get them up at a normal time and encourage light physical activity like gardening or cleaning up around the house. It’s best to avoid more intense exercise at first and don’t let them drive a car until their doctor says it’s okay.
As a caregiver, knowing how to spot a heart attack is an essential skill to have. Recognizing the symptoms and taking quick action can make a huge difference, and may even help save someone’s life.
For additional support and resources, be sure to visit our CareChannel.
Resource Information:
Type: Video
Length: Short (< 5 minutes)
Topics: Managing Medical Conditions
Conditions: Cardiac
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