HEART ATTACK
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack (also incorrectly called a coronary') is when a piece of the
heart muscle dies from lack of oxygen. This is usually due to a blood clot. The
blood vessels are narrowed with a build-up of fatty tissue called atheroma in
the vessel lining. The fatty build-up can develop into hardened areas called
plaques. These gradually become bigger, thicker and eventually the surface of
the plaques becomes quite rough. This can cause your blood cells to stick to
the plaques on their way past, causing a clot to form.
Angina becomes a heart attack when the clot completely blocks the artery.
(This is why it is so important not to ignore the warning signs, so that the
build-up of atheroma in the vessel lining is slowed down and the risk of a
complete blockage is reduced). Sometimes after a heart attack, the heart may
not beat in a regular rhythm, and sometimes the heart may stop during a heart
attack. This is when heart massage (or cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR) can
be life-saving. It is vital this is carried out as soon as it is needed.
Obviously, not everyone who has a heart attack needs cardiac massage, but many
will need to receive emergency medical help and be watched over in hospital
until well.
How will I know if I'm having a heart attack?
You may not know that you are having a heart attack. The pain can be the
same as an angina attack and is often described as a 'tightness, heaviness or
an ache' across the chest. The pain may spread to the arms (particularly the
left arm), shoulders, wrists, jaw or back. You may sweat, feel weak, sick and
short of breath, and in a heart attack, your emergency tablets or spray may not
seem to work as well, or the pain may come back quickly.
What should I do?
If you are able, seek help or use the telephone to dial 999. Stop what you
are doing and lie down.
Remember - if your pain does not go off in 15 minutes with the help of your
emergency nitrate tablets or spray, you should call 999 immediately.
What if I see someone having a heart attack?
If you see someone who may be having a heart attack, get them to lie down,
ask someone to dial 999 and send for an ambulance. Keep the patient warm and
make them comfortable. Try to reassure them and stay with them until the
ambulance arrives.
If you would like to learn how to carry out mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and
heart massage (CPR), contact St. John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.
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