The NHS is asking the public to “spread the word” about three key symptoms of a heart attack. The health service previously shared several images and guidelines on social media platform X, detailing how to respond in such a critical situation.
Their post read: “Do you know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? Know what to do in these emergencies and help spread the word.”
Subsequently, the NHS detailed the actions to take if someone is undergoing a cardiac arrest: “The person will be unconscious and not breathing, or not breathing normally. The faster you act, the better their chances of survival.”
If you suspect someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, dial 999 and commence CPR immediately. Additionally, the NHS offered guidance on how to react if someone is having a heart attack.
They advised: “The person will usually be conscious and may experience symptoms including chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you think someone is having a heart attack, call 999 immediately,” reports Essex Live.
Additional symptoms listed on the NHS website encompass pain in the left arm, perspiring, feeling nauseous or vomiting, and coughing or wheezing.
Another indicator of a cardiac arrest to be aware of is that the individual doesn’t react to any sound or touch.
The NHS describes a cardiac arrest as a severe episode where the “heart stops beating in a normal way, preventing blood from pumping around the body”.
The NHS website offers vital advice on how to respond in these dire situations:
- Danger: Keep calm and check the scene is safe to approach
- Response: Shout “are you alright?” and shake the person’s shoulders
- Shout for help: Send someone for help and call 999
- Airway: Tilt the head back gently to open the airway
- Breathing: Check for normal breathing by looking at the chest to see if it is rising and falling or listening for abnormal sounds such as infrequent and noisy gasps
- Compressions: If the patient is not breathing normally, start hands-only CPR pushing hard and fast in the centre of the chest
Moreover, should you encounter someone suffering a heart attack, the NHS advises adhering to this checklist while awaiting an ambulance:
- Sit the person down and make them comfortable
- Don’t give them anything to eat or drink
- If available, ask them to take a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew slowly (unless they are under 16 or allergic)
For further details on appropriate actions or signs to watch for, consult the NHS website.