Heart attack
We talk about a heart attack when part of the heart muscle is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen because a supply blood vessel is blocked. A heart attack endangers the heart muscle’s function and can suddenly lead to cardiac arrest.
Symptoms are
- Crushing pressure in the chest area
- Pain in the chest area, possible spreading out
- Shortness of breath
- Fear
- Sweating but cold to the touch
First Aid means here
- Do not move the patient and sit them in the «W» position (semi-recumbent)
- Prepare them for resuscitation (get someone to fetch the AED and first aiders)
- Dial the emergency number 144 (get someone else to dial it)
- Provide as calm an environment as possible, reassure the patient
Please also note
Up to a third of heart attacks are so-called «silent attacks» with no or almost no symptoms. That is why the following applies: if a person feels unwell and is older than 40 then consult a medical expert. By doing this you reduce the risk of overlooking a heart attack.
Advanced subjects
Angina Pectoris
Embolism
Cardiac insufficiency
Hypertonia