All About Heart Attacks

Because heart attacks are the number one killer in the United States, it is important that everyone know about them. Heart attacks kill approximately 3/4 of a million people each and every year. While heart attacks can happen to any person at any given time, they do generally occur more in older people. During a heart attack, it is critical that the victim receive prompt treatment or death can occur. Familiarize yourself with CPR and the use of a defibrilator. You never know when you will need to use one to help someone out. Knowing what to do in the event of a heart attack can save someone's life!

Generally a heart attack occurs because the arteries that supply the heart with blood become blocked. Over time, the lining of the arteries thicken and a heart attack occurs when it suddenly becomes blocked. However, a heart attack can also occur when there is a hemorrhage, drug overdose, loss of oxygen or simply, an aged heart that can no longer handle the work load.

There are usually early warning signs that a heart attack is going to occur. A heart attack vivtim will generally experience pressure, tightness or a squeezing sensation in the center of their chest. Sometimes, the pain will spread to the shoulders, arm, jaw or neck. Often times, a victim will also experience sweating, nausea, shortness of breath and faintness. A person will usually go unconscious during a severe heart attack and the heart will likely stop beating. If the victim's heart stops beating, he will also stop breathing. This will cause their skin to look pale and may give them the appearance of being dead.

If you notice any warning signs of a heart attack, it is important to get help right away. If the person having the attack is breathing okay and his heart is still beating, you can either go directly to the hospital or call 911 to get an ambulance to the victim. Timing is crucial during a heart attack. Paramedics are specially trained and can provide life-support measures until they arrive at the hospital. Keep the person warm and calm until help arrives.

If the person suffering a heart attack has already fallen unconscious, you must immediately. If someone else is around, have them call for help while you help the person suffering from the heart attack. You should then lie the person down on a flat surface on their back. Do not use pillows or blankets to prop their head up. Instead, tilt their head back so that breathing can become accomplished. You should look, listen and feel. Look at the victim's chest to see if it is rising and falling. Listen and feel for any signs of breathing or pulse. Check the victim's neck or wrist for a pulse. If the person is not breathing, you should begin artificial respiration immediately. You should continue doing CPR until help arrives or until breathing resumes.