A heart attack is a common health complication that affects many. So how can you notice someone with a heart attack and help them? It is estimated that the average person waits for about 3 hours before seeking help due to the occurrence of a heart attack. A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires faster response achieved by calling 911 or any local emergency number. Most of the heart attack victims die before they reach the hospital meaning that the sooner they reach the hospital, the better the chances of survival. Having a prompt response to the situation will reduce heart damage. Apart from taking your time to pursue online CPR courses, here is all you need to know about a heart attack.

It occurs when there is a blockage in the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. The muscles of the heart will be starved for oxygen and they will end up dying.

The symptoms associated with a heart attack can vary from one person to the other. They can be mild or severe in some cases. People who are older or those who are suffering from diabetes are more likely to have subtle symptoms than others.

1-Nausea

2-Vomit

3-Pain in the Chest

4-Mental status changes especially in older people

5-Fatigue and weakness especially in the elderly and women

6-Light head

7-Breath shortness

8-Cold sweat

If you notice that someone is having a heart attack, carry out the following:

1-Let the person have a seat, relax and let them calm down.

2-Make sure you loosen any tight clothing

3-Inquire from the person if they are having any medication and help them take it

4-If the pain persists after they have taken rest or the medication, call the emergency services

5-If the individual remains unresponsive, call the emergency services and carry out CPR

6-If it is an infant or a child, carry out CPR for one minute before calling 911

1-Never leave the victim alone unless you are calling out for assistance

2-Do not allow the victim to deny you the signs and symptoms so that you can avoid       calling the emergency services

3-Avoid waiting to see if the symptoms that have been identified will go away

Do not give the victim anything through the mouth not unless you are administering a heart medication as prescribed.

1-If the victim is not responsive

2-Failure to breath

3-Chest pain or similar symptoms of a heart attack

The following prevention measures should be taken into account for the treatment of the health condition.

1-If they are a smoker, help them quit the smoking habits since smoking will double the probability of developing the heart disease

2-Always ensure the patient follows the directions given by the healthcare provider to       control the cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure within the body

3-Help them carry out exercises that will help lose weight if they are overweight or obese.     It is important to consult an experienced healthcare provider before beginning the fitness  program.

4-Ensure they take a healthy diet. Limit the intake of the saturated fats, sugars and also red meat. Increase the intake of the fish, chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The healthcare provider can also help the patient on how to develop the appropriate diet program to cater to their specific health needs.

5-Make sure they limit the intake of alcohol. Taking one drink a day will reduce the occurrence of a heart attack. However, taking more than one drink can cause many health complications. 

Heart attack can affect your close friends, relatives or co-workers. To save their lives, it is important to know the appropriate life-saving skills. These skills are acquired when you pursue online CPR courses. It is also important to carry out a regular practice of the skills to make sure you do not forget them. You can still be a champion by reducing the number of deaths associated with a heart attack by mastering CPR and first aid.