What to do for a heart attack
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Summary
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These studies suggest calling 9-1-1 immediately, taking prescribed nitroglycerin if available, and recognizing early warning signs are crucial during a heart attack, while cardiac rehabilitation and regular physical activity are important for recovery and prevention.
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What to Do for a Heart Attack: Immediate Actions and Long-Term Care
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage due to lack of oxygen . Common symptoms include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and a feeling of impending doom . Recognizing these symptoms quickly is crucial for effective treatment.
Immediate Actions: Call 911 and Administer First Aid
Call 911 Immediately
The first and most critical step if you suspect a heart attack is to call 911 immediately. Quick medical intervention can significantly reduce heart muscle damage and improve survival rates .
Administer Nitroglycerin and Aspirin
If prescribed, take one dose of nitroglycerin right away. If symptoms do not improve within five minutes, call 911. Additionally, taking aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and should be administered as soon as possible.
Use Clot-Busting Drugs and Angioplasty
Emergency medical personnel may administer clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) or perform angioplasty to open blocked arteries. These treatments are most effective when given within the first few hours of symptom onset .
Long-Term Care: Cardiac Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Changes
Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) is a comprehensive program that includes exercise counseling, education for heart-healthy living, and stress reduction. Studies show that cardiac rehab can reduce mortality rates by up to 57% . Despite its benefits, cardiac rehab is underutilized, with only about 34% of heart attack survivors participating.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for heart attack survivors. Exercise helps improve cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of future cardiac events. People who engage in moderate to high levels of physical activity have a significantly lower risk of sudden death following a heart attack .
Medication and Monitoring
Long-term medication may include aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and other drugs to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol is also crucial for preventing future heart attacks.
Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is vital. This includes a balanced diet low in fat, cholesterol, and salt, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress . These changes can help stabilize or even reverse the progression of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
Immediate action during a heart attack, such as calling 911 and administering first aid, can save lives. Long-term care, including cardiac rehabilitation, regular exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes, is essential for recovery and preventing future heart attacks. Recognizing symptoms quickly and taking appropriate steps can make a significant difference in outcomes for heart attack patients.
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