If you’re ever going to have to deal with a serious medical emergency, chances are pretty good that it will be a heart attack. Heart attacks are a leading cause of death among North Americans. They can occur anywhere, and that includes the workplace.

Because heart attacks are so common, it’s important that everyone know how to help the patient. The more people who receive training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the better. CPR is a procedure for restoring breathing and circulation in emergency situations.

7 Possible Signs of a Heart Attack

Here are some of the symptoms of heart attack:

1. Chest pain is the classic symptom. Pain may occur suddenly. It may even occur when the person is at rest.
2. The pain may radiate to one or both arms, and up to the jaw, neck or back. The pain may be described as a sensation of choking, squeezing, burning, or pressure. The pain may also be described as intense and is usually constant.
3. The person may also experience nausea, vomiting, feelings of gas or other digestive discomfort.
4. The patient may also experience fear and may feel that he or she is going to die.
5. Weakness, especially in the arms, is another symptom. Perspiration and skin pallor may also be present.
6. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing may occur.
7. Weak and rapid pulse, or possibly a decrease in the pulse rate may also be symptoms.

There are many possible symptoms for a heart attack. They can be confused with other ailments, such as digestive problems or muscle strain. However, these symptoms need to be taken seriously. The patient may dismiss the symptoms, but an alert co-worker may be able to recognize the possibility of a heart attack and therefore save that person’s life.

If You Suspect Someone’s Having a Heart Attack

Many heart attack patients die before they reach medical help. Immediate aid can be a lifesaver. That’s where CPR training comes in. With the proper training, you could be able to keep someone alive long enough for medical help to arrive.

Here’s what to do if you suspect someone may be having a heart attack:

1. Call for medical help immediately. How fast the person gets to a hospital can be the most important factor in saving a heart attack patient.
2. Call for someone trained in CPR.
3. Keep the patient calm, quiet and still, lying down if possible. Continue to re-assure the patient.

8 Lifestyle Habits for a Healthy Heart

There are also a number of measures that you can do to prevent a heart attack. Many heart problems are caused by lifestyle habits which you can change:

1. Quit smoking.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol.
3. Control your blood pressure, by prescribed medication if necessary.
4. Learn to handle stress.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Limit alcohol consumption.
7. Have regular physical examinations.
8. Follow your doctor’s orders if you’re under care for heart problems.

Many heart attacks can be prevented, and many victims can be saved. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, and learn to help others survive a heart attack.

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top