Heart Attack Chest Pain A heart attack occurs when the muscle of the heart has an inadequate blood supply. This may be caused by a blood clot blocking a coronary artery. This may cause the muscle to be damaged, or die, or cause interference with the electrical activity of the heart, causing it to stop beating. When the heart stops beating, this is known as CARDIAC ARREST. Damage to the heart muscle is a HEART ATTACK. Warning signs of Heart Attack * The symptoms of heart attack vary, but the most common is a prolonged oppressive pain or unusual discomfort in the center of the chest, behind the breastbone. * The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Sometimes the symptoms may subside and then return. * There may also be sweating, weakness, nausea and shortness of breath. The heart attack victim may or may not become unconscious. ALL CASES OF CHEST PAIN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. Treatment: If the above symptoms occur, an ambulance should be called at once. Telephone 911 or your local emergency number and ask for Cardiac Ambulance. If unavailable, the victim should immediately be taken to the nearest hospital. Every minute is vital in cases of suspected heart attack. A victim should not be allowed to drive himself to hospital. * If the casualty is conscious reassure, gently support with pillows, and place in a half-sitting position with knees bent. * DO NOT ALLOW the casualty to move unnecessarily as this will put extra strain on the heart. * Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist. * Treat for shock. * Remove to hospital immediately, maintaining the treatment position if possible. Unconscious Victim Treatment: * Call 911 or your local emergency number and say cardiac emergency first. * If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation immediately. * Remove to hospital immediately, continuing resuscitation on the way, if necessary. * If the casualty becomes unconscious, but is breathing normally, place in the recovery position. Check pulse rate continuously. ------------------ These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/ I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot. Gordon Thomas #admin@dogpatch.org (Remove the # character in order to e-mail.) http://www.dogpatch.org ------------------ DISCLAIMER: Information in these files is presented in order to impart general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.