Dear Readers,
I have received a number of e-mails asking me for information on heart attacks.
My research indicates as follows:
First: Indications of a heart attack. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense – the “movie heart attack” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.
It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, and shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than a few minutes (no more than five) before calling for help. If you can’t access the emergency medical services (EMS), drive the person to the hospital right away.
If you’re the one having symptoms and you’re all alone, don’t drive yourself. Call for help, take an aspirin and sit quietly until help arrives. If you’re driving, pull over! You could cause a serious accident if you continue driving and pass out.
This is where “cough CPR” comes into it. It is an experimental procedure that can help in certain types of heart attacks if done properly, but could actually be dangerous in others. I would say it should only be tried without professional help if you are alone and you feel yourself passing out. If it doesn’t help, don’t keep it up. You probably won’t be able to anyway, as you will have passed out.
It is important to note that this is an experimental procedure that is not endorsed or taught by the American Heart Association, my source of most of the information for this particular column. For more information on the subject of heart attacks and coronary health, visit the AHA Website:
