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what to do when heart attack comes
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16377
3 days ago
15

what to do when heart attack comes - #16377

Tara

I am really confused and scared right now. Last week I was just sitting watching TV when I suddenly felt this tightness in my chest, like someone was squeezing it tight. I dunno, maybe it was just indigestion or something, but my left arm started feeling really weird too, like a mix between numb and tingly. I ended up calling my brother, and he rushed over. When he got here, I was trying to figure out what to do when heart attack comes. Like, do I just keep breathing? Do I lay down? Nobody in my family has heart issues but there’s a history of hypertension! I kept thinking, do I just wait and see if it passes or should I be calling an ambulance? I waited it out, and thank God it calmed down after a bit, but now I'm second guessing everything. How can I be sure next time if it happens? What to do when heart attack comes, like, should I chew aspirin or what? Google says a lot but it’s kinda all mixed up. I’m worried this might happen again, and I want to be prepped, you know? What are the warning signs I should be looking for?

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Doctors’ responses

When you experience symptoms like chest tightness, left arm discomfort, or feelings of numbness and tingling, especially in the context of a potential heart attack, it’s vital to take immediate action. First off, do not wait to see if symptoms pass. Call emergency services right away. Heart attacks can be life-threatening, and quick access to medical care radically improves outcomes. While waiting for medical assistance, if you have access to aspirin and are not allergic, chew a single adult aspirin (325 mg) or four baby aspirins (81 mg each). Chewing allows it to work faster. It’s important to stay as calm as possible, and if you’re not feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sitting down somewhere safe is preferred. Laying down may exacerbate the symptoms if it’s an actual heart attack, so remain in a position that’s comfortable until help arrives.

Next, let’s address the classic heart attack warning signs to be on the lookout for: chest pain or discomfort (often in the form of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain) that may radiate to the neck, jaw, back, shoulder, or arms (particularly the left arm), shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. Women, in some cases, may experience symptoms that are atypical, such as sudden fatigue, insomnia, or panic-like anxiety. Given your family history of hypertension, it’s crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly and manage any underlying risk factors through lifestyle modifications—like a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and stress management techniques. If these symptoms you described persist or reoccur, it would be wise to discuss them with your healthcare provider who might recommend tests like an EKG or blood work to evaluate your heart health more closely. Addressing your concerns in a non-crisis setting with a medical professional will provide you with more tailored advice to mitigate risks and improve heart health. Always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential cardiac events.

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