Essential Steps During a Heart Attack

Did you know that in the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds? It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what to do in case of emergency. Read on to learn what to do if you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack. 

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack 

A heart attack occurs when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood, and the longer it takes to get treatment to restore that blood flow, the more damage it can cause to the heart muscle. There are some signs and symptoms to be aware of, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling weak, light-headed for faint
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back
• Pain of discomfort in one or both arms, or shoulders
• Shortness of breath

Women may experience other symptoms such as unusual or unexplained tiredness, nausea, or vomiting. Women, elderly people and individuals with diabetes often have “soft signs” of heart attacks, which can include: 

• Mild, unfocused chest discomfort that:
• Comes and goes
• Doesn't feel like pain
• Starts mild and gets continually stronger
• Gets better with rest
• Gets worse with activity
• Tiredness
• Gastric discomfort
• Flu-like symptoms

Remember, not all these symptoms need to be present during a heart attack event, so it is imperative to listen to your body, and seek immediate help. Don’t ignore or brush off unexplained symptoms. 

What to do if you are experiencing a heart attack? 

• Call 911! Even if it turns out to not be a heart attack, your best defense is to seek medical attention; better safe than sorry.
• Keep calm and sit or lie down.
• Take an aspirin.
• Perform CPR if the person stops breathing.
• If something seems wrong with someone you are working with, talk to them or go to management. Don’t ignore the signs!
• Know the emergency response plan at your workplace or work site for a medical emergency such as a heart attack. 
• Know who to call, the address of where you are working, and who is trained in CPR. 
• Act quickly.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest a year. According to Heart & Stroke, each year an estimated 35,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada. With most happening in public places or at home, survival rates are low. However, if someone can perform CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), these statistics improve exponentially.  
 
AEDs are designed to be user friendly so they can be used by those without medical training. The clear voice prompts will guide the user through each step, including where to place the pad and when to deliver a shock. The simplicity of use allows an employee to operate the AED quickly and effectively, which minimizes the delay in providing necessary help.  

Remember to take the signs and symptoms of a heart attack seriously, even if they seem mild, and get immediate medical assistance for anyone exhibiting the symptoms of a heart attack.