What to Do If Your Loved One is Having a Heart Attack

We all know the many common causes of heart attacks, but do we really know what to do if we are with someone who is having a heart attack? As many members of my family have a variety of heart conditions, I've often wondered what I am exactly supposed to do. Do I give them CPR? Do I only do the chest compressions? I once heard a rumor that you can be sued for giving CPR if you are not certified to do so. Do I just wait for an ambulance? Heart attacks are the leading cause of death among Americans, and I'd be surprised if I go through life without at least once finding myself in a position where someone's life depends on those first crucial minutes.

I had a lot of questions, but not a whole lot of answers. So I did my research.

First off, it helps to understand what is happening when a person is having a heart attack. Mainly, a heart attack occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood for nourishment. The heart's functionality is sustained by coronary arteries that supply it with nutrition and oxygen. If those arteries fail to deliver nutrition and oxygen to the heart, then the heart can become damaged. A heat attack occurs when it is permanently damaged.

Early treatment is extremely important in the case of a heart attack. Therefore, know the symptoms. Detect it as early as possible. The first hour of a heart attack is commonly referred to as the "golden hour". The survival rates of victims who are treated within the first hour are greatly increased.

The symptoms of a heart attack are:

Chest discomfort that either lasts for more than two minutes or leaves and comes back. It is generally described as a feeling of tightness, pressure or pain.

Discomfort in other parts of the upper body, especially arms, the back, neck, jaw or even the stomach.

Shortness of breath.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness.

If you or someone with you experiences chest pain alone or in combination with other symptoms, call 911 immediately. The pain felt during a heart attack is called angina pectoris and usually starts after physical exertion, stress, an emotionally charged moment or a big meal when the heart beats faster and requires more oxygen and nutrients.

Calling 911 is the first thing that should be done if someone is suspected of having a heart attack. Do not bother taking the person to the hospital in your own vehicle as speed is important and an ambulance can make it to you faster and with necessary equipment and training.

Stay as calm as you can, as it not only helps you focus and act responsibly, but it also keeps the heart attack victim calmer. The less excited the victim, the better it is for them and their heart. Tell the person to sit or lie down.

Ask the person if they take any heart medications. If they do, try to find it and follow the directions on its packaging.

If the victim is over the age of 18, ask them if they are allergic to aspirin. If they are not allergic, then have them chew or drink one. Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18, as they may be suffering from Reye's syndrome and aspirin can be very harmful.

Aspirin can help by thinning the blood and thus allowing more blood to reach the heart.

If the person stops breathing, notify the 911 operator and start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there pulse stops, start CPR.