what is the first aid for heart attack - #17079
I am really worried because my dad has had some chest pain lately, and sometimes he complains of shortness of breath. He’s 65 and has a history of hypertension, but he refuses to see a doctor. Last week, he was out hiking, and he suddenly felt lightheaded and nauseous. I feel like I should know what to do in case it gets worse, like if he's having a heart attack or something. What is the first aid for heart attack? I read a little about CPR and that you should call for help immediately, but I'm confused about the steps I should follow first. Is it just about keeping him calm and waiting for help? It feels too overwhelming! And what if he doesn't recognize the signs himself? Like, can someone still be having one without severe symptoms? I worry that I might miss it. If anyone has had to deal with this or has worked in emergency, I’d really appreciate any detailed advice on what is the first aid for heart attack – every bit helps! I just want to be prepared, you know?
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Doctors’ responses
First and foremost, if you suspect your dad might be having a heart attack, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. Time is genuinely of the essence with heart attacks, and professional medical help can make a significant difference in outcomes. While waiting for emergency personnel, ensure he’s sitting and help keep him calm—stress can exacerbate the situation. If he’s conscious and not allergic, you can give him aspirin to chew unless he’s been advised otherwise by a healthcare provider, as aspirin can help thin the blood and reduce the severity of the attack. It’s good to be prepared with non-coated aspirin on hand, around 325 mg.
Have him avoid any physical activity, which can further strain the heart. You should also closely monitor symptoms, and be prepared for them to change rapidly. If he becomes unresponsive or stops breathing—here’s where knowing CPR comes into play. Perform CPR by placing the heel of one hand on the center of his chest, and the other hand on top, pushing firmly and quickly at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The current guidelines emphasize chest compressions over rescue breaths (unless you are trained), to maintain blood flow.
Even if the symptoms don’t seem severe, there’s a risk due to his age, hypertension, and recent episodes of lightheadedness and nausea. Heart attacks can sometimes be ‘silent’, without the crushing chest pain often depictted in media. Instead, symptoms might appear as shortness of breath, fatigue, or without them realizing severity. Encourage him to talk to a doctor about his symptoms, as they could be warning signs. Lifestyle modifications, regular check-ups, managing his blood pressure, and possibly medication can greatly help reduce his risks.
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