›› Heart Attacks

Heart Attacks

A heart attack is aloss of blood flow to the muscle of the heart, often caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. If it is prolonged, a heart attack may cause permanent loss of heart muscle.

Symptoms

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest.
• Pai spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.
• Chest discomfort
• Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold, sweaty skin.
• Paleness
• Increased or irregular heart rate.
• Feeling of impending doom

Immediate Treatment

• Call the emergancy services
• Give asprin to thin the blood
• Be prepared to give CPR

Emergency services may recommend the patient to take nitroglycerin tablets or patches, in case these are available, particularly if they had prior heart attacks or angina.