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Heart Attack
Chest Pain
A heart attack occurs when the muscle of the heart has an inadequate blood supply. This
may be caused by a blood clot blocking a coronary artery. This may cause the muscle to be
damaged, or die, or cause interference with the electrical activity of the heart, causing
it to stop beating. When the heart stops beating, this is known as CARDIAC ARREST.
Damage to the heart muscle is a HEART ATTACK.
Warning signs of Heart Attack:
- The symptoms of heart attack vary, but the
most common is a prolonged oppressive pain or unusual discomfort in the centre of the
chest, behind the breastbone.
- The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm,
neck, or jaw. Sometimes the symptoms may subside and then return.
- There may also be sweating, weakness,
continuou nausea and shortness of breath.
The heart attack victim may or may not become unconscious.
ALL CASES OF CHEST PAIN
SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
Treatment:
If the above symptoms occur, an ambulance should be called at once.
Telephone your local emergency number and ask for Cardiac Ambulance.
If unavailable, the victim should immediately be taken to the nearest hospital. Every
minute is vital in cases of suspected heart attack. A victim should not be allowed to
drive himself to hospital.
- If the casualty is conscious reassure,
gently support with pillows, and place in a half-sitting position with knees bent.
- DO NOT ALLOW the casualty to move
unnecessarily as this will put extra strain on the heart.
- Loosen any tight clothing around the neck,
chest and waist.
- Treat for shock.
- Remove to hospital immediately,
maintaining the treatment position if possible.
Unconscious Victim
Treatment:
- Call 999 or 112 or your local emergency
number and say cardiac emergency first.
- If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the
A-B-C of resuscitation immediately.
- Remove to hospital immediately, continuing
resuscitation on the way, if necessary.
- If the casualty becomes unconscious, but
is breathing normally, place in the recovery position.
- Check the pulse rate continuously.
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