Many people worry about stopping a heart attack, and with good reason. Research reveals that at least an American suffers a heart attack every 40 seconds. A heart attack is deadly, no doubt, but thousands of Americans survive these attacks annually. Quick anticipation and reaction increase the chance of surviving a heart attack.
How Do I Know I’m Having A Heart Attack?
A heart attack typically causes mild pain at the beginning. These symptoms are usually bearable and—hence—many ignore, thereby making it difficult to survive the attack. Predicting the attack and reacting to it early are crucial to stopping it.
The possible signs and symptoms of a heart attack are highlighted below. Seek help immediately if you notice any of these. Call 911 or ask someone else to do so.
- Chest ache or discomfort—often in the center—that lasts for several minutes. You may feel heavy, full, pain, or squeezed when this happens. This particular symptom occurs from time to time—it comes and goes.
- A feeling of inconvenience in the upper body; the neck, jaw, back, stomach, or arms.
- Unusual symptoms—although mostly experienced by women—can be felt by men too. They include dizziness, vomiting, cold sweat, lightheadedness, and nausea.
- Difficulty in breathing, usually causing shortness of air intake. Feels like suffocating and may or may not come with chest discomfort.
What Should I Do When Having A Heart Attack?
There are several suggestions for surviving or stopping a heart attack. Most are, however, not verified by medical experts, and we can’t count on such luck when handling such a delicate condition. We will hence look at only verified recommendations below.
Call Emergency Medical Service
Stopping a heart attack depends on the urgency of treatments. This explains why our foremost rule is to seek professional medical help. Calling 911 is also faster than trying to get to the hospital for medication. EMS personnel are experts in treating your condition, and they arrive pretty quickly at the scene. They will help to stabilize your heart in the vehicle while driving to the clinic for more intensive care.
There are higher chances of survival if you have a heart attack around others. They may help to call EMS or administer specific treatments while you wait. You may, therefore, have to inform the nearest person as soon as you experience any symptoms. Also, you may ask them to stay with you until help comes.
Use A Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a heart device medical emergency workers use to stabilize or revive a person going through a cardio attack. You should own one if you are at a severe risk of heart failure. The alternative for calling 911 is to get a defibrillator as soon as you experience any symptoms. If you can’t get it yourself, instruct someone close by to do so instantly. Defibrillators are easy to use. They can hence be used by non-medical experts.
If you are in a public place like a workplace, store, or library, ask anyone near to find the defibrillator. There’s a good chance that you’ll find one there.
Take Aspirin
Taking Aspirin is a recommended aid. It is, however, not an alternative for emergency medical help. Aspirin slows the ability of the blood to clot during an attack. It, therefore, minimizes the blood clotting process, thereby slowing the heart attack. A quick Aspirin dosage may help you remain conscious until emergency services arrive.
The medically recommended dosage for stopping a heart attack is 325 milligrams.
When alone during a heart attack, call 911 immediately after using an available Aspirin. Do not attempt to use a defibrillator when no one else is around. You may lie outside your front door after that so help can easily locate you.
Are There Other Ways To Stop A Heart Attack?
There are several “fast treatments for a heart attack” you’ll find online. These options usually promise fast relief without having to go to the clinic. Some of these suggestions may work, but they are not verified. They may delay emergency treatments and therefore worsen your chances of surviving an attack.
You should consider these alternatives only when you cannot access any of the three recommended above. The most common “fast treatments” for stopping a heart attack are:
Cough Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cough CPR is one of the most common fast treatments online. Some sources argue that breathing and coughing deeply raise the blood pressure for one or two seconds—thereby supplying more blood to the brain. Furthermore, these arguments say that a deep cough can restore normal breathing when you have a short breath.
However, the American Heart Association does not approve cough CPR. The first line of reasoning is that an unresponsive person cannot even cough, to begin with.
Water and Cayenne Pepper
Some online sources advise adding a spoonful cayenne pepper to a glass of water. The argument is that cayenne pepper stimulates the heart rate and balances blood circulation throughout the body. Another claim is that cayenne pepper instantly stops bleeding.
There’s no evidence that cayenne pepper is useful in stopping a heart attack. Furthermore, Aspirin—which is medically approved—may react negatively with capsaicin, which is an active ingredient in cayenne pepper.
How Can I Reduce The Risk Of A Heart Attack?
Several factors contribute to a heart attack. Some of these—for example, age and genetics—are uncontrollable. However, there are some rules to follow to minimize the risk of a heart problem.
- Avoid smoking and limit exposure to smoke.
- Regulate your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Engage in exercises to stay physically fit.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Watch your weight.
- Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish and improved beverages.
- Control your stress levels through techniques like yoga and meditation.
Bottom Line
Anticipation, reaction, and urgency of treatment are crucial in surviving or stopping a heart attack. You must, therefore, know and identify symptoms as they come. Never forget that seeking emergency medical help is the most recommended option. Owning a defibrillator is an excellent idea, as well. Lastly, always keep Aspirin close if you’re at risk.
