A heart attack’s different signs and symptoms may help us identify it early, call for emergency help, and perform a first aid response if possible. In doing so, early treatment of the heart attack may be done, which is the leading cause of hospitalisation and death in the country, according to the Heart Research Institute. This institute has been performing groundbreaking cardiovascular research that is recognised internationally.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Following are the heart attack signs according to the Australian Heart Foundation. It has been a trusted peak body funding heart-related research projects since 1959.
- Dizziness.
- Light-headedness or feeling faint.
- Nausea, indigestion, or vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating.
One of these signs of a heart attack may occur alone or with another for at least 10 minutes. According to the same foundation, it may reoccur and worsen every time. They also state that there may be no warning signs, and the heart attack might not be picked up until later down the track.
Signs of a Heart Attack in Women
Unfortunately, women are more likely to experience the above heart attack signs. Biologically, women have smaller hearts and arteries than men. This increases the chance of coronary artery disease developing differently and diffusely. Aside from those listed above, the following are the signs of a heart attack in women:
- Jaw, shoulder, or back pain
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Difficulty breathing
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Below are heart attack symptoms according to Heart Research Australia, an organisation established in 1986 by Royal North Shore Hospital cardiologists.
- Chest tightness becomes more severe and does not go away.
- Jaw and neck pain.
- Choking sensation.
- Arm, shoulder, chest, and/or back pain.
- Similar sensations to heartburn.
- Sudden difficulty in breathing.
- Flu-like symptoms.
If any of these occur in anyone, the organisation suggests calling 000 immediately.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women
The same institute states that there are also other symptoms of a heart attack that may not be related to chest pain. Unfortunately, these are experienced by women more often than men:
- Discomfort in the body (usually in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen).
- Breathlessness.
- Unwellness.
- Discomfort in one or both arms with pain and/or tightness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Heartburn.
- Indigestion
- Sweating
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
These other symptoms are said to occur in women when they rest, sleep, or when stressed.
Who are More Likely to Experience the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Heart Research Institute identifies atherosclerosis as the underlying cause of a heart attack. It may happen to anyone who may have the below risk factors:
- Men aged 45 years old and over; Women aged 55 years and above.
- Family history of a heart attack.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
Some of these risk factors are unchangeable, while others are manageable. Still, these may cause someone to be at a greater risk of a heart attack. If you, a family member, a workmate, or someone in the community fall among any of these categories, it may help to have someone know what to do when signs and symptoms of a heart attack occur.
What to do When Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack Occur
As mentioned above, calling 000 for emergency help is advised if any signs and symptoms occur in anyone. Performing the necessary first aid practices may also help treat a patient while waiting for an ambulance. It includes the following first-aid steps:
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Have the person sit or lie in a comfortable position.
- Ask the person to explain their symptoms.
- An ambulance is needed if symptoms are severe, continue to develop, or last for more than 10 minutes. Follow the advice of the operator until medical assistance arrives.
- Loosen any restricting clothing.
- Check that the person does not have an aspirin allergy and is allowed to take aspirin. If it is safe for them to take, provide the casualty with one aspirin tablet (300mg).
- Reassure the person until the ambulance arrives.
- Monitor and record symptom development.
If the person is unconscious or is falling into unconsciousness:
- Place the person into the recovery position.
- Follow DRSABCD.
How to Perform the First Aid for a Heart Attack
To correctly perform the above-mentioned heart attack first aid management, enrollment in a first aid course at 191 Reservoir Rd Modbury 5091 may be done. In doing so, the signs, symptoms, or even the heart attack itself may be managed before emergency help is available to do further treatments.
Conclusion
Knowledge about its signs and symptoms may help prevent a heart attack. When these are recognised, the necessary steps may be done immediately. It calls 000 for emergency help and performs first aid response to help manage it while waiting for an ambulance. In doing so, treatment for heart attack may be done, which is considered a leading cause of death in the country.
