GotoAID - Heart Attack

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Heart Attack

Pain, severe pressure, or discomfort in the chest is another warning sign of serious illness that could quickly develop into a life-threatening situation. Although you cannot be certain that pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest indicates a heart problem, chest pain is the most common symptom associated with serious heart conditions.

Symptoms

Pain, severe pressure, or discomfort in chest	Nausea
Radiating pain in neck, jaw, upper back, arms	Weakness
Shortness of breath	Medical alert bracelet or necklace
Pale, cool, wet skin

Steps

Allow the person to find the most comfortable position in which to breathe.

Calm, comfort, and reassure the person.

If the person has a known heart condition and carries a prescribed medication known as nitroglycerin, assist the person in self-administering it.

If chest discomfort or pain does not improve or worsens after five minutes, activate EMS without delay.

If the person is not allergic to aspirin, or not at risk for any other reason, encourage the person to take one non-coated adult aspirin (325 mg) or two baby aspirin (81 mg each) while awaiting the arrival of EMS.

Warnings

Whenever pain, severe pressure, or discomfort in the chest occurs, be prepared for the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest. Consider getting a bystander to get an AED if one is nearby.

Nitroglycerin to counteract chest pain should only be taken by the person for whom it was prescribed.

A person experiencing a heart attack may deny he is having one. This is a common occurrence and should not keep you from caring for the person.

Tips

Women often describe indigestion rather than chest pain as their most obvious symptom of a heart-related problem.

Cardiovascular emergencies are less common in children and infants than in adults, but they can occur.

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