Heart Attack First Aid If You Are Alone
Did you know that a heart attack could happen suddenly without warning any signs? Read on to discover what you can do if you have a heart attack while you’re alone.
What is a Heart Attack?
Coronary arteries supply blood to your heart muscles. Sometimes, plaque buildup caused by cholesterol, fat, and other substances can clog up your arteries until they’re too narrow. This results in blood clots that block normal blood flow, restricting blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscle and related organs.
This blockage can be partial or complete, leading to coronary artery disease, which puts you at risk of a heart attack. However, not every heart attack is caused by blocked arteries. There are instances when certain viral infections and damaged heart muscles might be the cause.
Heart Attack Risk Factors
Coronary artery disease might not always present symptoms. These are some risk factors that you should be aware of:
- If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
- Smoking or long-term exposure to second-hand smoke.
- If you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
- An unhealthy lifestyle.
- Emotional stress.
- Living with specific autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Warning Signs
Heart attacks can start slowly with mild discomfort, or they can be sudden and intense. Paying constant attention to your body helps you notice when you face a potentially life-threatening situation. However, these are common warning signs to look out for:
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper body, including the arms, back, jaw and neck.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sudden dizziness or light-headedness.
- Sudden cardiac arrest.
Common Complications
When your heart muscles are damaged, they can’t pump blood as well as they should. Some chronic health conditions like high blood pressure can leave your heart too weak to function and pump blood properly. Heart failure can lead to these common complications:
- Liver damage.
- Irregular heart rhythms.
- Inflammation of tissues surrounding the heart.
- Kidney failure.
- Cardiogenic shock.
Heart Attack First Aid When You Are Alone
Dealing with a heart attack when you’re alone can be scary. If you suspect warning signs of an imminent attack, do your best to ensure your wellbeing and safety. Here are some practical tips to follow:
- Call Affinity Rescue: The first thing to do is contact Affinity Rescue to receive emergency medical help and specialised treatment.
- Take an aspirin: If you’re not allergic to it, aspirin can thin your blood and improve your chances of survival if you’re experiencing a heart attack.
- Lie down and stay calm: Remaining calm can help relieve pressure from the heart.
- Avoid coughing repeatedly: Coughing might worsen irregular heart rhythms.
- Don’t apply any pressure on your chest: A heart attack can cause a tight chest and pressure-like sensation that you shouldn’t worsen.
Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving when you are experiencing a heart attack. Knowing the warning signs is important to prevent life-threatening complications. Your Affinity Rescue plan ensures you get quick emergency assistance with on-site stabilisation and emergency care if you have a heart attack while you’re alone.