What can I do if someone is having a heart attack ?

Posted by Dr Priya Sharma
4
Aug 12, 2023
75 Views
Always prioritise seeking professional medical help immediately. Here's what you could do: Call for Help: Dial emergency services or have someone nearby call 911 (or the appropriate emergency number in your country) immediately. Stay Calm: Try to keep the person calm. Anxiety and panic can worsen the situation. Assist with Medication: If the person has been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets and the medication is within reach, they might take it as directed. However, only do this if the person can safely take the medication and it has been prescribed to them. Perform CPR: If the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, you might need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Many public places have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available, which can also help. Loosen Clothing: Help the person loosen tight clothing, like a tie or collar, to make breathing easier. Monitor the Person: Keep a close eye on their condition. If they become unresponsive and don't have a pulse, you may need to start CPR. Do NOT: It's important not to give the person anything to eat, drink, or any medication other than what's been prescribed to them. Also, don't delay getting medical help by trying to transport them yourself unless it's absolutely necessary. If you encounter a situation like this, always prioritise getting help from trained medical professionals as quickly as possible. What treatment is done in case of emergency heart attacks? In the case of an emergency heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, prompt medical intervention is crucial to minimise damage to the heart muscle and improve the person's chances of survival. The treatment for a heart attack typically involves a combination of medical procedures and medications. Keep in mind that treatments may vary based on the severity of the heart attack and the individual's specific medical condition. Here's an overview of the common treatments: Oxygen Therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen can help increase the oxygen levels in the blood and relieve strain on the heart. Aspirin: Aspirin is often given to chew and swallow during a heart attack. It helps to thin the blood and prevent further clotting. Nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin is a medication that can help relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. It's usually administered under the tongue. Thrombolytic Therapy (Clot-Busting Drugs): These medications are administered intravenously to dissolve the blood clot causing the heart attack. They can be effective if given within a certain time frame from the onset of symptoms. Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Also known as angioplasty with stent placement, this is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into the blocked artery. A balloon is inflated to open the artery, and a stent may be placed to keep the artery open. This procedure is highly effective and is preferred when available facilities and expertise are present. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): In more severe cases or if PCI is not possible, bypass surgery might be considered. This involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked or narrowed artery. Medications: Various medications are used to manage heart attacks, stabilise the patient, and prevent further complications. These may include antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and more. Cardiac Rehabilitation: After the initial treatment and recovery, cardiac rehabilitation programs can help patients regain strength, improve heart health, and make lifestyle changes to prevent future heart problems. There are some best hospitals in India like Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Chennai where you can consult with the best cardiologists and know more about the cost of heart bypass surgery in Chennai, procedure of heart bypass surgery, tests and post surgery precautions.
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