A heart attack is a usual cause of death. It can occur once the flow of blood in a region in the heart is abruptly or fully blocked.
Prompt medical care once a heart attack is suspected can improve the chances of staying alive. It also helps prevent the heart from being damaged.
Since early treatment can make a big difference, it is vital to be familiar with the indications of a heart attack.
What are the indications?
Remember that not all cases have the same symptoms. The usual signs of a heart attack might be one or several of the following:
- Chest pain or heaviness, fullness or squeezing in the middle of the chest that persists for more than a few minutes or comes and goes.
- Excessive tiredness
Chest pain or heaviness, fullness or squeezing in the middle of the chest that persists for more than a few minutes or comes and goes. - Difficulty breathing
- Discomfort or achiness in a single arm or both or shoulders, back, jaw, neck or stomach
- Breaking out into a cold sweat for no evident reason
Along with these symptoms, the individual will also feel faint, tired or sick in the stomach.
What should I do?
If an individual experiences chest discomfort, especially if one or several symptoms are present, call for emergency assistance right away.
Once an individual is suspected of having a heart attack:
- Provide aspirin as soon as possible after calling for emergency assistance if the individual is not allergic to aspirin.
- If the individual is taking any medications for chest pain such as nitroglycerin, follow the dosage instructions.
- The individual should sit or lie down while waiting for help.
If an individual is suspected of experiencing a heart attack:
- Call for emergency assistance.
- Stay calm and ask the individual if he/she is taking any drugs for chest pain such as nitroglycerin. If available, provide it based on the instructions.
- Ask if the individual is allergic to aspirin. If not, provide one to chew on soon after calling emergency assistance.
- In case the individual does not respond after shaking him/her gently, perform CPR if trained. Continue to perform CPR until the medical team arrives.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on heart attack is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the signs and how it is managed, register for a first aid and CPR course with Saskatoon First Aid.