Think You're Having a Heart Attack? and You're Alone?

If you have a heart condition that makes you concerned about the eventuality of a myocardial infarction and you live alone, signing up for a monitoring service is a critical plan for possible emergencies (actually, emergencies of any kind). All you would need to do is push a button that you wear as a necklace or bracelet and help would be on the way.

Carrying 325 milligrams (mg) of aspirin on you is important to help your blood thin out during an attack. This eases the work that the heart has to do to push that blood around in your body. Aspirin is a good preventative against heart and circulatory collapse, however, a daily dosage of it is usually in the 80 mg. form (could be enteric coated to protect against stomach irritaion). People with ulcers and active stomach disorder should consult a physician before using aspirin on a daily basis as a preventative. But, during an attack, taking a full-dose 325 mg. tablet is advisable. It can actually save your life.

Try to stay calm. Immeiately contact the monitoring service or call 9-1-1 for emergency medical help. It would be wise to keep a cell phone on your person at all times if you have a heart condition and do not subscribe to a medical alert monitoring service.

Lie down, preferably with the head slightly raised and wait until the EMTs arrive. If possible, have the number of a family member or neighbor staying close by on your speed dial so they can come and assist you during the wait.

If a neighbor can drive you to the hospital in less time than it would take to wait for the ambulence, do so right away. When you get to the hospital, be sure to tell the triage area that you feel that you are having a heart attack. DO NOT WAIT FOR TREATMENT. BE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING CARDIAC PROBLEMS!

DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF TO THE HOSPITAL.

Waiting 15 minutes for treament could result in irreparable damage to your heart tissue. Know the symptoms of a heart attack and do not hesitate to get help right away. Don't wait to see how things go - get to the hospital IMMEDIATELY.

Symptoms of Heart Attack:
chest pain (angina) lasting more than 2 minutes
jaw pain
nausea and/or vomiting
pain in either arm
upper back pain
sweating
pressure in the chest area
heartburn or the feeling of indigestion
lightheadedness
shortness of breath
sensation of fainting or great weakness with abdominal pain/nausea

ANY of these symptoms warrant concern and suspicion of a possible heart attack. DO NOT DELAY. Time is of the essence! Call for help and follow the above steps right away.