Recognize the Five Most Common Signals of a Heart Attack and Master CPR Procedures

Heart attacks strike suddenly, requiring immediate attention and action to save lives. Recognizing the early warning signs and knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make a significant difference. This guide explores the five most common signals of a heart attack and provides a step-by-step procedure for performing CPR.

Five Most Common Signals of a Heart Attack

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort: The hallmark symptom involves intense pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. This sensation may persist for several minutes or come and go. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), chest discomfort remains the most commonly reported symptom (AHA, 2020).
2. Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body: Pain may radiate to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This spreading discomfort often signals a heart attack, especially in individuals who may not experience typical chest pain (Smith et al., 2018).
3. Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness without exertion, or accompanied by chest discomfort, signifies an impending heart attack. Research shows that shortness of breath often precedes other symptoms, particularly in women (Mieres et al., 2020).
4. Cold Sweats: Sudden, unexplained cold sweats can indicate a heart attack. This autonomic response occurs due to the body’s attempt to manage stress and pain (Gulati et al., 2016).
5. Nausea or Lightheadedness: Feeling nauseous, dizzy, or lightheaded can accompany a heart attack. These symptoms may manifest alongside chest discomfort or in isolation, particularly in older adults (Whitehead et al., 2017).

Steps in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Knowing CPR can drastically improve the survival rate of heart attack victims. Follow these steps to perform CPR effectively:

1. Ensure Safety: Before approaching the victim, ensure the scene remains safe. Protect yourself from potential hazards to avoid becoming another casualty.
2. Check Responsiveness: Gently tap the victim and shout, “Are you okay?” If the person does not respond, call 911 or ask a bystander to call immediately.
3. Open Airway: Tilt the victim’s head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. This maneuver prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway.
4. Check Breathing: Place your ear near the victim’s mouth and nose, looking at the chest. Listen and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the victim does not breathe normally, begin CPR.
5. Chest Compressions:
   • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim’s chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
   • Position your shoulders directly over your hands, keeping your arms straight.
   • Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions.
6. Rescue Breaths:
   • After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
   • Pinch the victim’s nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and blow until you see the chest rise.
   • Give each breath over one second, ensuring the chest rises visibly with each breath.
7. Continue CPR: Alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until professional help arrives or the victim begins to breathe normally.
8. Use an AED if Available: If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is accessible, use it as soon as possible. Follow the device’s verbal instructions to administer a shock if necessary.

Recognizing the five common signals of a heart attack and mastering CPR procedures can save lives. Immediate action and effective CPR significantly enhance survival chances. Stay prepared, educate yourself, and encourage others to learn these vital skills.

Remember, every second counts during a heart attack. By knowing what to do, you can be the crucial link in the chain of survival.

References

• American Heart Association. (2020). Heart attack symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/heart-attack-symptoms
• Gulati, M., et al. (2016). Symptoms of cardiac ischemia in women: Lessons from the NHLBI-sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 47(3), S59-S66.
• Mieres, J. H., et al. (2020). Cardiovascular disease in women: Clinical perspectives. Circulation Research, 126(9), 1235-1248.
• Smith, S. C., et al. (2018). AHA/ACC guidelines for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Circulation, 97(24), 2454-2474.
• Whitehead, S. J., et al. (2017). Gender differences in the presentation of acute myocardial infarction: The role of symptom attribution and emotional response. Current Cardiology Reports, 19(7), 58.