Symptoms

If you suspect the symptoms of a heart attack, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Don't worry if you have doubts. Paramedics would rather be called out to find an honest mistake has been made than be too late to save a person's life. Symptomsof a heart attack can include: Chest pain a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of your chest pain in other parts of the body it can feel as if the pain is travelling from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and abdomen feeling lightheaded or dizzy sweating shortness of breath feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack) coughing or wheezing Although the chest pain is often severe,some people may only experienceminor pain, similar to indigestion. In some cases, there may not beany chest pain at all,especially in women, the elderly andpeople with diabetes . It'sthe overall pattern of symptoms that helps to determine whether you are having a heart attack. Waiting for the ambulance If someone has had a heart attack, it's important to rest whilethey wait for an ambulance, to avoid unnecessary strain onthe heart. Ifaspirin is easily available andthe person who has had a heart attack isn'tallergic toit, slowly chew and then swallow an adult-sized tablet (300mg) while waiting for the ambulance. The aspirin helps to thinthe blood and restore the heart's blood supply. Cardiac arrest In some cases a complication called ventricular arrhythmia cancause the heart to stop beating. This is known as sudden cardiac arrest. Signs and symptoms suggesting a person has gone into cardiac arrest include: they appear not to be breathing they're not moving they don't respond to any stimulation, such as being touched or spoken to If you think somebody has gone into cardiac arrest and you don't have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), you should perform chest compressions, as this can help restart the heart. Chest compression To carry out a chest compression on an adult: Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person's chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5-6cm on their chest. Repeat this until an ambulance arrives. Aim to do the chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions a minute. You can watcha videoon CPR for more information about how to perform "hands-only" CPR. Read information about how to resuscitate a child . Automated external defibrillator (AED) If you have access to a device called an AED, you should use it. An AEDis a safe, portable electrical device thatmost large organisations keep as part of their first aid equipment. It helps to establish a regular heartbeat during a cardiac arrest by monitoring the person's heartbeat andgiving theman electric shock if necessary. You can readmore informationabout CPR and AEDs on theArrhythmia Alliance website. Angina and heart attacks Angina is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms caused by an underlying health condition) caused when the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart becomes restricted. People with angina can experience similar symptoms to a heart attack, but they usually happen during exercise and pass within a few minutes. However, occasionally, people with angina can have a heart attack. It's important to recognise the difference between the symptoms of angina and those of a heart attack. The best way to do this is to remember that the symptoms of angina can be controlled with medication, unlike the symptoms of a heart attack. If you have angina, you may have been prescribedmedication that improves your symptomswithin five minutes. If the first dose doesn't work, a second dose can be taken after five minutes, and a third dose after a further five minutes. If the pain persists, despite taking three doses of glyceryl trinitrate over 15 minutes,call 999and ask for an ambulance.   Heart attacks A heart attack happens when there is a blockage in one of the arteries in the heart. Heart The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body. Nausea Nausea is when you feel like you are going to be sick. Pain Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged. Vomiting Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
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