HEART ATTACK

H
eart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a cardiovascular-related medical
emergency which occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked or reduced.
Commonly, heart attack is a result of the blockage of blood flow, due to the accumulation
of fatty deposits, such as cholesterol and other substances, which then transform into plaques.
When this plaques rupture, the formation of blood clots is imminent, which then in turn prevents
the arteries from exercising its task to facilitate the passage of blood to and from the heart. This
could damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

What to Look For

Although fatal in nature, heart attacks can be prevented from worsening, e.g. leading to cardiac
arrest, by observing and recognizing several signals. With this, a first-aid responder or any people
near anyone who may experience the said medical emergency can provide prompt and proper
care.

■ Chest pain, Discomfort or Pressure

The most common signal is persistent pain, discomfort or pressure in the chest that lasts
longer than 3 to 5 minutes, or goes away and comes back. However, one should know to
distinguish heart attack pain from the pain of indigestion, muscle spasms or other
conditions; this often causes people to delay getting medical care.

Note: Brief, stabbing pain or pain that gets worse when you bend or breathe deeply usually
is NOT caused by a heart problem.

o The pain associated with a heart attack can range from discomfort to an
unbearable crushing sensation in the chest.
o The person may describe it as pressure, squeezing, tightness, aching or heaviness
in the chest.
o Many heart attacks start slowly as mild pain or discomfort.
o Often the person feels pain or discomfort radiating from the center of the chest.
 o The pain or discomfort becomes constant. (Not relieved by resting, changing
position or after taking medicine for three times.)
o Some individuals may show no signals at all.

■ Discomfort in other areas of the upper body in addition to the chest

Discomfort, pain or pressure may also be felt in or spread to the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw,
stomach or back.

■ Trouble breathing.
The person may be breathing faster than normal because the body tries to get the much-
needed oxygen to the heart. The person may have noisy breathing or shortness of breath.

■ Other signals
The person’s skin may be pale or ashen (gray), especially around the face, may be damp
with sweat or may sweat heavily, feel dizzy, become nauseous or vomit. They may become
fatigued, lightheaded or lose consciousness.

■ Differences in signals between men and women.

It is important to note that women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the
other warning signals, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, back or jaw
pain and unexplained fatigue or malaise. When they do experience chest pain, women
may have a greater tendency to have atypical chest pain: sudden, sharp but short-lived
pain outside of the breastbone.

When to Call Emergency Medical Services

If one suspects the person is having a heart attack based on his or her signals, call 9-1-1 or the
local emergency number immediately. If the person might be having a heart attack, act quickly.

What to Do Until Help Arrives

If one suspect that someone might be having a heart attack, one should:

■ Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

■ Have the person stop what he or she is doing and rest comfortably. This will ease the
heart’s need for oxygen.
■ Loosen any tight or uncomfortable clothing.
■ Closely watch the person until advanced medical personnel take over. Notice any
changes in the person’s appearance or behavior. Monitor the person’s condition.
■ Be prepared to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), if
available, if the person loses consciousness and stops breathing.
■ Ask the person if he or she has a history of heart disease. Some people with heart
disease take prescribed medication for chest pain. You can help by getting the medication
for the person and assisting him or her with taking the prescribed medication.
■ Offer aspirin, if medically appropriate and local protocols allow, and if the patient can
swallow and has no known contraindications. Be sure that the person has not been told
by his or her health care provider to avoid taking aspirin.
■ Be calm and reassuring. Comforting the person helps to reduce anxiety and eases some
of the discomfort.
 HEART ATTACK:
Knowing the Signs, and
Tips to Prevent the Worst of it

A HANDOUT FOR THE SUBJECT PATH Fit 4 – Recreation

Submitted by:

ARQUE, PIM ISMAEL

BUNDAC, CARL ANDREW
CALOOY, EKEN ZOE
COLONIA, JOHN ERIC
DUHAYLUNGSOD, JUAN PAULO
ENDRECOSO, MADELYN
MAGHANOY, ANDREW GEM
PINEDA, LUEENA MARIE
SEBIDO, DEXTER

BSPE PET-2B

Submitted to:

PROF. ANNE GOH

PATH Fit 4 Instructor

January 16, 2020

References:

Do you know the signs of a heart attack? (2018, January 17). Retrieved January 13, 2020, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heart-attack/basics/art-20056679.

First aid for someone who may be having a heart attack. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2020, from
https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid/heart-attack.

Heart attack first aid: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2020, January 6). Retrieved January
14, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000063.htm.