Life Saving Tips on how to stop Heart Attack
Life Saving Tips on how to stop Heart Attack
- Introduction
- How to stop a heart attack in 30 seconds?
- Why time is of utmost importance?
- How to stop heart attack if you see signs of it in someone?
- What happens if one is not sure if it is a heart attack?
- How to stop a heart attack immediately at home?
- How to prevent a heart attack or reduce risk of one in the future?
Introduction
Most people read a lot about a heart attack, and how to prevent it through a holistic approach. However, when someone actually has a heart attack, panic sets in, without any sense of direction or the right approach. Here are effective tips on how to stop heart attack after you have recognized the symptoms in someone.
How to stop a heart attack in 30 seconds?
The only way to stop a heart attack in 30 seconds is emergency medical treatment. However, if you have recognized the symptoms, and if you are in a position to extend the right support, your help matters. You can help ensure that the person receives emergency medical support, and till the time help arrives, you can initiate some actions. Here is how to stop heart attack with the right measures, after correctly reading the symptoms.
Why time is of utmost importance?
When a person has a heart attack, there is an urgent need for swift actions. This is because a heart attack is due to lack of blood flow to the heart. This lack of blood flow starts a process of damage to the heart muscle, and the heart muscle begins to die due to the cut off supply of oxygen. Before you read more on how to stop heart attack, it is necessary to note that the whole medical intervention after a heart attack is to restore this blood flow as quickly as possible.
If you are unsuccessful in restoring blood supply, the heart attack can cause permanent heart damage or could also result in death. It would be difficult to reverse any damage that has occurred. By taking the right actions quickly, you can minimize the extent and type of damage.
How to stop heart attack if you see signs of it in someone?
The first step is to request for medical assistance. All other actions need to be taken up only after ensuring that someone has made a proper request for medical help. This will increase the chances of survival and will also cause lesser damage to the heart. Here are other actions that you can take:
- You can drive the person to the hospital if it is going to take some time for assistance to arrive. You can also try to reach them midway to shorten the time taken.
- If you are the one having a heart attack, do not drive yourself even if you are feeling fine.
- If the patient has been prescribed medications in the event of such foreseen incidents, take the same immediately. For instance, this could be nitroglycerin or aspirin.
- Perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on the patient. This is to be performed only if you are aware of it. Do not exercise too much of pressure that may cause other complications.
What happens if one is not sure if it is a heart attack?
As some of the symptoms of a heart attack are similar to that of other conditions or reasons, there is every possibility of some confusion. However, since timely action is the most important, it is necessary to act fast. Seeking medical attention even if in doubt is an important approach on how to stop heart attack. This will rule out or confirm apprehensions of a heart attack.
If the person has been prescribed medications such as nitroglycerin, or aspirin for such eventualities administer the same. The dosage of aspirin is usually 325 mg, and this helps to prevent the blood from clotting. This will help reduce damage to the heart if there has been a heart attack.
Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication and is to be taken only if recommended. CPR can be started on the patient if a pulse is missing or if the person is not breathing. People who are not fully trained in CPR can try hands-only CPR. This refers to pushing hard and fast on the chest for around 100 to 120 times a minute. People who are fully trained in CPR can give 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Another option is to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This is used if the person is unconscious. This is only used by trained paramedics and is not to be used by people who are not trained or permitted to use one. This delivers shocks and helps to reset the rhythm of the heart. Though AEDs are available with voice instructions, it is best to rely on experts.
How to stop a heart attack immediately at home?
As mentioned earlier, medicines will only help to reduce the damage to the heart muscle. Only emergency medical intervention will stop a heart attack. You could give the patient the following medicines:
- Aspirin – This is an antiplatelet to prevent blood clots. This is to be given if the person is not allergic.
- Nitroglycerin – This belongs to the category of vasodilators to relax blood vessels and increase flow of blood to the heart.
- Beta blockers – These are used to slow down heart rate and reduce the force of cardiac contractions. This also helps increase blood flow to the heart and reduce blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors – This increases flow of blood by dilating arteries and reducing blood pressure.
- Heparin – This reduces the possibility of blood clots and is given either intravenously or by injection beneath the skin.
How to prevent a heart attack or reduce risk of one in the future?
- While it is a good idea to learn how to stop heart attack, it is more important to prevent a heart attack. You can prevent a heart attack or mitigate the effects of one by assessing your future or lifetime risk of a heart attack. This is best achieved by:
- Undergoing clinical tests to check for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol. Blood samples taken in laboratories help to unearth your risk of heart attack due to existing conditions. Borderline values can give you early warnings that can be easily remedied to reduce risk.
- Undergoing genetic tests to look for genetic mutations or inherited genetic conditions that put you at risk of a heart attack. Genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu are presently available to help determine future risk of a heart attack due to genetic reasons. Simple saliva samples are all that are required for a comprehensive test.
- Assessing lifestyle risks such as diet, smoking, drinking and stress.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Rajasekar Cardiologist
Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).
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Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from the University of Delhi Experience : Dr. Srinivasan is an experienced pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Delhi and over 12 years in the field. She has worked extensively in clinical and community pharmacy settings, focusing on patient care, medication management, and drug safety. Dr. Srinivasan also contributes to health and wellness publications and serves as a consultant for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations. Her expertise spans clinical practice, pharmaceutical writing, and regulatory affairs.