Help on the onset of a Heart Attack

Coronary Artery Disease and your Family History

In a member of your immediate family has developed heart disease, you are prone to the risk twice as much as the rest of the population.

                Genetic and environment differences determine the differences in our appearance and health. Your risk is higher if your relative had developed coronary disease at an early age. “Early age” is before age e.g. 55 in men and 65 in women. This follows a general rule in genetics: The earlier a disease occurs, the greater is the influence of genes in your life. While your genetics will determine your baseline likelihood for the disease, many factors in life will modify this risk. As in most common diseases, coronary artery disease results from an interaction between genes and environment.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

A powerful crushing pain hits the chest. This pain seems to flow from the chest to the left arm, back, shoulder and heart. The patient experiences a cold, clammy sweat. Occasionally, vomiting due to severe pain can occur. Some people become unconscious. Urgent medical assistance is required. Call for your nearest doctor or rush the patient to a nursing home or a hospital nearest to you.

Silent Heart Attack

It is often mistaken for a usual bout of indigestion. About 25% of the heart attacks occurring are “Silent”. These silent heart attacks damage the heart muscles. Sometimes no noticeable symptoms occur.

Help on the onset of a Heart Attack

Ø   Immediately after the onset of a heart attack, the person needs to be made comfortable.

Ø  Place the person in a supine (Straight lying) position.

Ø  Loosen out any tight clothing (collar, belt, shirt cuffs, shoes).

Ø  If breathing seems to have stopped, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (mouth to mouth breathing).

Ø  Next, call medical help, as advised earlier.