What are the symptoms of a heart attack and what should you do during an emergency?

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening event that requires prompt attention. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and knowing what to do in an emergency can make a significant impact in saving a life.

Heart attack takes place when there is a significant blockage or reduction in the blood flow to the heart. This blockage results from the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort:
   The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. The sensation may last for a few minutes or come and go.
2. Shortness of Breath:
   Individuals experiencing a heart attack may feel short of breath, even when at rest. This can be accompanied by a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
3. Pain or Discomfort in the Upper Body:
   Pain or discomfort may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. Some people may experience pain in one or both arms, while others may feel it in the upper abdomen.
4. Sweating and Nausea:
   Profuse sweating, cold sweats, lightheadedness, and nausea are also common symptoms. Some individuals may vomit or feel an impending sense of doom.
5. Dizziness or Fainting:
   A heart attack can cause dizziness or fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, especially in combination with other signs.

Emergency Response

1. Call Emergency Services:
   The first and most critical step is to call emergency services (911 in the United States). Provide your location, explain the situation, and follow their instructions.
2. Chew or Take Aspirin:
   If prescribed, it is recommended to chew and swallow a regular aspirin (325 mg) as it can help to thin the blood and improve blood flow.
3. Perform CPR if Necessary:
   If the person becomes unconscious and stops breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. If you are trained in CPR, begin chest compressions and rescue breaths until medical help arrives.
4. Stay Calm and Reassure:
   Keep the individual calm and reassure them that help is on the way. Encourage them to rest and avoid unnecessary movement to reduce the workload on the heart.

The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute’s Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Program is accredited by the Joint Commission International. The program gives heart attack patients the expert treatment of a highly trained rapid-response team, all within the ideal time frame of 90 minutes or less Door-to-Balloon time. This means that a heart attack patient who walks through the doors of the hospital’s Emergency Department should have the blocked coronary artery opened in the Catheterization Laboratory within 90 minutes, ensuring higher chances of survival.