Heart Attack Symptoms and Warning Signs

A blockage in the heart's arteries may reduce or completely cut off the blood supply to a portion of the heart. This can cause a blood clot to form and totally stop blood flow in a coronary artery, resulting in a heart attack (also called an acute myocardial infarction or MI).

Irreversible injury to the heart muscle usually occurs if medical help is not received promptly. Unfortunately, it is common for people to dismiss heart attack symptoms.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack ?

The American Heart Association and other medical experts say the body likely will send one or more of these warning signals of a heart attack:
  • Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
  • Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders.
  • Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
  • Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold, sweaty skin.
  • Paleness or pallor.
  • Increased or irregular heart rate.
  • Feeling of impending doom.
Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast. IF YOU NOTICE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SIGNS IN YOURSELF OR OTHERS, DON'T WAIT. CALL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (9-1-1) RIGHT AWAY! In the event of cardiopulmonary arrest (no breathing or pulse), call 9-1-1 and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

How does the doctor know if I've had a heart attack?

The actual diagnosis of a heart attack must be made by a doctor who has studied the results of several tests. The doctor may:
  • Review the patient's complete medical history.
  • Give a physical examination.
  • Use an electrocardiogram (or EKG) to discover any abnormalities caused by damage to the heart.
  • Use a blood test to detect abnormal levels of certain enzymes in the bloodstream.


Source : http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/patient-guide-44510-6.html?ic=4004

Popular posts from this blog

Administering a Metered Dose Inhaler (self administration)

Medical Equipments: Medication Administration Record (MAR) Medication with Dropper Emesis Basin (optional) Non-sterile Gloves Tissue Nursing Actions: Check the allergies that patient may have Determine the written order on MAR Wash hands Check patient’s identification armband Explain the procedures to the patient and provide privacy Ask patient to blow nose unless contraindicated Inform the patient that he/she may feel a burning sensation to the mucosa or a choking sensation, or both, as the drop trickles back into the throat Place patient in a supine position and hyperextend the neck and position the head to the site that facilitates the drop reaching the expected site Instruct the patient to breathe through mouth Squeeze medications into the dropper Insert the nasal drops about 3/8 inch into nostril and keep the tip of the dropper away from the sides of the nares. Instill the medication as prescribed and observe for signs and discomforts Ask the patient to maintain supine position fo
Read more

Nursing School Rankings

by: Milos Pesic The US News & World Report and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Report on Research Funding conduct nursing school rankings to measure the status of quality of different nursing schools nationwide. Various factors affect how nursing school rankings are determined but it all serves the purpose of providing more information to anyone in search of a nursing school. As you evaluate different leaning institutions for your nursing education, nursing school rankings should supplement your own research. First, determine which specific nursing program you wish to enter and then based on that look at nursing schools in your chosen location that offer that specific program. You can use nursing school rankings to find out the areas of strength of a particular school and if it matches your interest and needs. In general, organizations determine nursing school rankings by gathering data through surveys that are prepared by professors and other scholars. Survey respondents c
Read more

10 Beneficial Foods for Maintaining Healthy Skin and Prevent Wrinkles

Image
Tight skin is the dream of all people, especially women. In addition to routine maintenance, you also need a balanced diet to have healthy skin. To prevent skin wrinkles, some foods are very beneficial when consumed. Most anti - wrinkle foods rich in antioxidants, which neutralize the effects of free radicals that attack collagen and elasticity of skin tissue. Some of these habits can be anti- wrinkling skin : Drink 4-6 glasses of water every day, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen when in the sun, and of course do not smoke. Here are some foods that are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, especially the skin to prevent wrinkles : 1. Blueberries Blueberries and other berries contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Eat one serving or 1/2 cup every day, if possible choose organic berries. 2. Salmon Salmon and other cold water fish rich in omega - 3 fatty acids, which delays wrinkles by preventing inflammation and as a skin lubricant. Eat about 3 - ounce fish this typ
Read more