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Heart attack

A heart attack happens when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.

Lots of people make a full recovery, but there’s a serious risk that the heart might stop beating – called a cardiac arrest.

It’s vital that you treat someone having a heart attack straight away, otherwise they could die.

People who have angina are more likely to have a heart attack. Angina happens when the arteries to the heart become narrow and the heart muscle can’t get enough blood.This can happen when someone’s doing a physical activity but is even more of a concern if it happens at rest.

Angina pain is usually a tight chest pain, which may ease if they rest straight away and take angina medication, and may only last a few minutes. If the pain lasts longer, presume it’s a heart attack.

What to look for

Look for the four Ps:

Pain – a continuous pain in the chest, which could spread to the jaw, neck or arms
Pale skin
Rapid and weak pulse
Perspiration/sweating
What you need to do

Call 999 or 112 for medical help and say you think someone is having a heart attack.

heart attack comfortableThen, help move them into the most comfortable position. The best position is on the floor leaning against a wall with knees bent and head and shoulders supported. This should ease the pressure on their heart and stop them hurting themselves if they collapse.

Give them a 300mg aspirin, if available and they're not allergic, and tell them to chew it slowly.

Be aware that they may develop shock. Shock does not mean emotional shock, but is a life-threatening condition, which can be brought on by a heart attack.

Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response.

If they lose consciousness at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to treat someone who has become unconscious. You may need to do CPR.
https://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/heart/heart-attack.aspx