Surviving a Heart Attack
Time is a critical factor in heart attack treatment. When treatment is received during the first hour of a heart attack (known as "the golden hour"), the chances of recovery are greatly increased. Drugs that break down blockages in the arteries (thrombolytic therapy) should be given within the first 1 to 2 hours.
The "need for speed" underscores the importance of knowing the signs of heart attack. Remember, a heart attack often starts with mild symptoms that may not be painful.
Steps for Survival
Surviving a heart attack starts with a phone call:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience the warning signs of a heart attack. Whatever you do, do not attempt to drive yourself, or have someone drive you, to an emergency center. Tell the dispatcher where you are, what's happening and don't hang up the phone until you're told to do so.
- Chew aspirin: 2 baby aspirins or 1 adult aspirin. No enteric coating or gelcaps.
- Place a nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue and remember "5-5-5": Do not swallow the tablet. If chest pain persists after five minutes, place a second tablet under the tongue. If chest pain continues for another five minutes, use a third tablet. You may take up to three tablets over 15 minutes.
As you wait for the ambulance, you should:
- Get into a relaxed sitting position, with your legs up and bent at the knees, to ease strain on your heart.
- Loosen tight clothing around your neck and waist, and remain calm.
- Use CPR if necessary, if you're helping a heart attack victim. Knowing CPR can save the life of someone you love.
Why Call 9-1-1 for Help?
By calling 9-1-1 and waiting for an ambulance to arrive, you will receive vital care from trained paramedics on the way to the hospital. What's more, your emergency department will have time to monitor your vital signs remotely and prepare for your arrival. Calling 9-1-1 is the critical first step in getting help for chest pain.
Take Time to Get Prepared
Making the right preparations for a heart attack is another key to survival. You can prepare for a medical emergency with a free MedKit from John C. Lincoln. This medical emergency data kit will inform emergency medical technicians in the North Valley community about treatment options to avoid and indicate medications to which you may be allergic.
You can also use it to store the following heart-related information, which can be tremendously helpful to EMTs:
- A copy of your last resting EKG
- A list of medications you're taking
- A list of medications you're allergic to
- The address of the nearest hospital with emergency cardiac care facilities. See John C. Lincoln's.