How To Survive Your First Heart Attack

Every 34 seconds , someone in US has a heart attack, and every 60 seconds , someone dies from it. What a person does or does not in the critical first moments can make a difference between life and death. Shortening the time between arrival at ER and treatment contributes to decrease in deaths from coronary artery disease.

When your heart is in danger, every second counts. Take these steps to identify the symptoms and make it to the hospital in time.

Step 1; Recognize the symptoms (more important the less typical symptoms) :
People with a type of arterial disease called atherosclerosis in which there is build up of fat and cholesterol in the arteries in the form of plaques, can get a heart attack if a piece of this plaque breaks off and forms a clot which in turn blocks the blood flow to the heart muscle.
The classic signs of a heart attack are:

• Chest pain
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
• Pain in the back or shoulders,
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Studies have shown that as many as one third of heart attack patients have no chest pain. These patients are more likely to be older, females or diabetic. In fact the older you are it is more likely you will not have the typical symptoms of heart attack. The atypical symptoms include:

• Confusion
• labored breathing 
• Faintness. 

It is not necessary that the heart attack comes on suddenly, some patients may have unwell feeling weeks earlier, so if something feels different, or you feel unwell don't ignore it and visit a doctor before you get a full blown heart attack. 

Step 2 : Get To The ER As Early As Possible: You need to get to the hospital within an hour to ensure the best outcome. The earlier the intervention is done , the less damage to the heart and better the chances of survival. 

Heart failure develops in those people who arrive for medical too late. 

Even if the symptoms are not due to heart attack but you suspect it , immediately see medical attention. Some people waste their precious time looking up for the symptoms and the cause online or just calling their primary care doctor for advice. 

Tell your spouse, caregiver or children the symptoms you are experiencing and try to seek immediate medical care in emergency. 

Step 3: What to Do Before Emergency Help Arrives: If you experience chest pain and there is suspicion of a heart attack, never delay the treatment. Immediately call for help. While you wait to be seen  by the emergency physician, take 325 mg aspirin (not the baby aspirin which is 75 mg). Aspirin acts by thinning the blood and it interferes with blod clotting which may help limit the damage to the heart due to ongoing ischemia. 

It is best to call an ambulance to take you to the hospital as ambulances have defibrillators in case the heart stops as well as the treatment can be started by the EMTs even before you arrive the hospital.  

Step 4: Give A Proper History: When you ar being attended by the EMTs or the emergency doctor, always try to give a clear, good history including your medical illness and medications you have been taking. If someone has taken Viagra ( a drug for better sexual performance) it is important that the doctor knows it. Don't hide anything from your doctor. 

Viagra and nitroglycerin (which is usually the first drug given for a heart attack should never be given together or else it may lead to life threatening reaction. 

Stay healthy and Safe!