the heart of the matter
Signs to look out for that you might be having a heart attack.
It’s true to say that where heart attacks are concerned, survival rates have never been higher in the UK. What’s more, the 1.4million Brits who have come back from cardiac arrest are the best evidence that good detection and accomplished care, combined, mean life can go back to being somewhere close to normal even after suffering a medical emergency that most would name as the most terrifying of their lives.
What is a heart attack?
Firstly, to properly define a heart attack, it is when your blood-pumping organ goes into cardiac arrest. Blood, which carries oxygen to the heart, is unable to make its way through the coronary artery. In most cases this is caused by the build-up of cholesterol and fatty matter in the arteries. While blood vessels in other parts of the heart may increase in size in order to make up for the shortfall, the blockage can that part of the heart starved of oxygen and unable to function.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms will vary between men and women, and it is thought that women display a greater range of these and they are more easily detectable, though many are familiar across both sexes. These include:
Chest pain and discomfort
This begins in the centre of the chest and will feel like pain or indigestion. The sensation can come and go, or it might be constant.
Aching
Nausea, sickness, dizziness and confusion may come on.
Thirst
Many people experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack complain of a raging thirst.
Panic
The variety of symptoms outlined above will make the body go into panic mode, though the most important thing is to remain calm and seek urgent help.
Treatment In the first instance, anyone fearing they are showing signs of having a heart attack should phone for an ambulance.
The next step, if alone, is to ask a friend or relative to come over to sit with you until professional help arrives. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive yourself to hospital.
The aftermath
Many people take the shock of cardiac arrest as a solemn indication that old habits and lifestyle choices need to be changed; and a good proportion actually end up healthier after cardiac arrest than they were before the incident.
For Heart Support and Exercise Group call Kevin on 07977 097292 or email info@cardiac-health.com or find them on Facebook @takeheartrugby
“take time to learn what to look out for if you suspect a heart attack.”