How to Spot and Respond to a Heart Attack: 5 Vital Tips From Cardiologist
CNET
There are several factors at play when it comes to surviving a heart attack or saving a life, but the most crucial bit is being able to identify correctly when one is taking place and remembering the five key steps. Now, as we're in summer with warmer weather, health issues that you may not be aware of may flare up. We've put together this guide to help you be better prepared, with life-saving tips for heart attacks.
Learn more about heart health tips by reading how to check your heart metrics at home, six important blood tests to take and understanding the importance of your blood type.
Common symptoms of a heartWhen you think "heart attack," classic symptoms such as chest discomfort might first come to mind. Heart attacks can present differently in men and women and in people with certain diseases, like diabetes.
Heart attack symptoms could include:
Chest discomfort, pain or pressure that radiates up to your jaw, your back and/or your left shoulder
Bad indigestion or nausea
Extreme fatigue
Shortness of breath
Feeling generally unwell
"Essentially anything from the belly button up," says Dr. Khadijah Breathett, a heart failure transplant cardiologist and tenured associate professor of medicine at Indiana University. "Constant pressure should raise concern that you should see your doctor, and it's OK if it's something else. We'd rather have an individual come see a health care professional and get evaluated rather than toughing it out at home, because that is what contributes to the escalating risk of death."
1. Call 911, no matter what
If you feel any of the above symptoms, even if you aren't sure it's a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately, doctors recommend.
"If you feel unwell, or you're starting to have chest discomfort, seek medical attention quickly, because the sooner you get treated, the better," says Dr. Grant Reed, an interventional cardiologist and director of Cleveland Clinic's STEMI program. "A lot of patients ignore their symptoms, and by the time they come in, their heart muscle has already died."
Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images
The No. 1 indicator of how well you're going to do after a heart attack is how fast you recognize your symptoms, Reed adds. There's a strong relationship between when you start to have your heart attack (which is generally when symptoms start) and how fast doctors can open up the blocked coronary artery that's causing it -- the shorter the time, the better the outcomes, not just regarding survival but also the likelihood of heart failure or needing to be readmitted to the hospital.
When you get to the hospital, medical professionals will likely perform an electrocardiogram, which will determine the diagnosis of a heart attack. If it is a heart attack, you'll be taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where a coronary angiography will be performed. If you have a blockage in your coronary artery, the doctors will offer treatment with a balloon and a stent to keep the artery open.
Many people are hesitant to seek emergency medical care due to a lack of insurance or immigration status. In the US, hospitals are required to treat all people who come in with life-threatening emergencies.
"It's a lot better to be treated and deal with the financial ramifications after the fact," Reed says. In most cases, costs can be sorted out with the hospital, he adds.
jayk7/Getty Images
2. Have an ambulance take you to the hospital
If you suspect you're having a heart attack, don't drive yourself to the hospital: Call an ambulance. You could lose consciousness and hurt yourself or others on the road, says Dr. Joel Beachey, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The same goes for having a loved one drive you -- if your symptoms worsen, they won't be able to help you while they're driving, and may be distracted.
Paramedics can provide the best and fastest care while you're on the way to the hospital, including giving you an assessment and providing some treatment, Beachey says.
If you're with someone who is having heart attack symptoms and becomes unconscious, you should first call 911 and then engage in CPR, Breathett says. (You can find free CPR training at your local American Heart Association branch and many other places.)
3. Take aspirin, if you have it
If you're having heart attack symptoms and have access to aspirin, take a full dose of 325 mg after calling the ambulance, Beachey says. (If you have baby aspirin, which comes in an 81 mg dose, take four of those.) He recommends chewing it instead of swallowing, so it gets into your system faster.
The reason? When you're having a heart attack, a plaque inside your arteries becomes unstable and ruptures, which forms a blood clot that can close off supply to that artery. Taking aspirin can help break down some of that blood clot.
ER4. Advocate for yourself
In an ideal world, healthcare providers would take all patient concerns seriously when it comes to heart attack symptoms, but studies show women and people of color are less likely to receive adequate treatment for heart attacks and heart disease. For example, older Black women were 50% less likely to be treated when they arrived at a hospital with a heart attack or coronary artery disease symptoms than white women, including after accounting for education, income, insurance status and other heart health complications like diabetes and high blood pressure, a 2019 study found.
"It's been very clear over most of our history in the US that women and people of color are not heard," Breathett says. "Their symptoms get dismissed, and they have worse outcomes. As a health care system, we have a lot more work to do to change that system so that each person can get equitable care irrespective of their demographic."
Until that time comes, patients need to be their own advocates and speak up for themselves, she adds. If they aren't being heard, they have the right to seek care elsewhere.
One tip recommended by a resident on TikTok: If you feel a provider isn't taking your symptoms seriously, for heart health or otherwise, you can ask the provider, "What is your differential diagnosis?"
A differential diagnosis is a term to describe what the different diseases are that could be contributing to your symptoms, basically asking the provider to explain why they've ruled out a heart attack and what else it could be. "That might help a person realize, oh, I haven't effectively tested to make sure this is not cardiac disease," Breathett says.
You can also bring a family member or friend to help ask questions on your behalf. Write down questions in advance if you can, so you can have them addressed during your short visit. And call back with any questions that weren't answered. If you're not satisfied or feel that you're not being heard, seek out another care team.
5. Work on prevention
You've heard it a million times, but that's because it's true: The best way to prevent a heart attack is by maintaining a healthy diet, doing moderate exercise for 120 to 150 minutes per week, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure under control and not smoking.Heart attacks can happen to people of any age, race or gender. You should get regular physical exams with your primary care provider to assess your risk and make lifestyle changes that can help with prevention. Some people might also benefit from taking a baby aspirin every day as a preventative measure, but you'll need to talk to your care provider about that.
Exercise is important even if you have a history of heart trouble, Beachey says.
Knowing what to do to prevent and respond to a heart attack is just one of the many important elements of your health you should know about. Read on to discover the best workouts to strengthen your heart, the difference between the types of cholesterol and how your diet affects your health. Plus, if you're looking for new ways to monitor your metrics, check out CNET's list of recommended fitness trackers and blood pressure monitors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
TikTokers are obsessed with ‘fibermaxxing'. Here's what the experts say
Break out the chia pudding! The social media trend known as 'fibermaxxing' wants you to add more fiber to your daily diet. TikTok users tout the health benefits of including simple foods packed with the carbohydrate, including the relieving effects in the bathroom. Some TikTokers point to the recent rise in rates of colon cancer in young people, and note that eating fiber can help reduce the risk. To 'fibermaxx,' they're eating more chia seeds in their yogurt bowls, making meals with more beans, and taking supplements. While nutritionists are largely supportive of the trend, they have a few caveats. 'More isn't always better,' Mascha Davis, a registered dietician nutritionist and the owner of Nomadista Nutrition, told Health this week. 'Many people don't get enough fiber, but it's just important to be thoughtful about how you're doing it so that it's not too much too fast,' Kate Mintz, a registered dietitian at U.C.L.A. Health, also recently told The New York Times. Fiber is often used to fight constipation, helping stools to pass easier. 'Even if you suffer from constipation, increasing fiber all at once could make the situation worse before you get cleared out,' Jennifer House, a dietitian and founder of First Step Nutrition, also explained to Health. Getting too much fiber could lead to a bloated and uncomfortable experience, according to the Mayo Clinic. People need to be careful and methodical, and talking to a physician can help to determine what's a right amount, on a case by case basis. What's more, when people with autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease see symptoms flare up, they may need to eat less fiber to help manage symptoms. After stomach or intestinal surgery, doctors may also instruct you to keep a lower fiber diet that lets your digestive system heal. Before a colonoscopy the advice may be similar, helping to clear out the large intestine to ensure a successful procedure. But in general, Americans aren't getting enough fiber - more than 90 percent of women and 97 percent of men do not meet the recommended daily intakes. Total dietary fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams a day from food, and not supplements, according to UCSF Health. Currently, dietary fiber intakes among American adults average about only 15 grams a day. Fiber is good for your gut, heart, and brain, and may also slash the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding fiber to the diet slowly over a few weeks, letting the natural bacteria in your digestive system adjust to the change. Staying hydrated is also crucial and fiber works best when it absorbs water. So, what can you eat to fiber to the max? The next time you're at the grocery store, pick up some popcorn, beans, cereal, apples, oranges, peas, cauliflower, or carrots. Raspberries are a particularly fiber-rich fruit, packed with eight grams. "If you're going to have a cookie, have an oatmeal cookie," Joanne Slavin, a professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, told the American Heart Association. "It doesn't take large amounts of fiber to have a real effect.'
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
The new world of medicine: AI doctors
Doctronic founders Dr. Adam Oskowitz and Matt Pavelle discuss their new AI tool to help users better 'understand their health' and communicate with their doctors on 'America Reports.'
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Number-1 Signs You're Not Eating Enough Protein
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Protein is powerful. It helps our bodies build and repair muscle, it regulates our blood sugar and keeps us full, and it helps us grow healthy hair and nails. And while most Americans meet their protein needs, some groups have to work harder to get enough, per the Mayo Clinic Health System. Once you turn 40, you start to lose muscle mass and need more protein to stay strong and healthy, per the Mayo Clinic. Likewise, if you exercise regularly, you need more protein to meet your body's needs. Even if you don't fall into one of these categories, you should take steps to ensure you're packing enough protein. Protein deficiency can make you feel grumpy, sluggish, and hungry all the time—impacting everything from your weight to your mood. Plus, getting enough protein is easier said than done. Sarah Mirkin, R.D.N., author of Fill Your Plate, Lose The Weight, recommends getting at least 20 grams at each meal. Your body can only process 20 to 30 grams at once, she explains, so that's enough to keep you full and give you energy without going overboard. The thing is, one egg contains just 3.68 grams of protein and a slice of bacon offers just 2.58 grams, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). So even if you think your meals are protein-packed, you may not be getting enough. Knowing the signs of protein deficiency can help you recognize when you're not meeting your body's needs. Here are the red flags that you need more protein on your fitness goals If you're working out but not seeing results, your post-workout meals may be to blame. That's because when you lift weights, your muscle fibers break down. And to help your body repair your muscles and make them stronger than before, you need a post-workout serving of protein. 'If you neglect to refuel with protein after your workouts, then you've only broken the muscle down, which results in muscle loss,' says sugar cravings Constantly craving sugar and carbs? When you eat a meal that lacks enough protein, you're more likely to feel unsatisfied and reach for sugary, fatty foods. 'Protein balances things out, stops cravings, and keeps us full longer,' says Natalie Jill, the lead trainer for Fit After 40. Be sure to consume enough protein at every meal to keep your sweet tooth in flaky skin If you used to have healthy, glowing skin that now looks dull and flaky, it might be a sign you're not getting enough protein. 'Protein makes up the building blocks of our hair, nails, and skin,' says Steven Bowers, D.O., author of Secrets of the World's Healthiest People. 'If you're not getting enough, you might develop brittle, dry hair or dry, flaky skin.'Nonstop hunger If you feel hungry an hour after eating, there may not be enough protein and fat on your plate. Carbohydrates take less time to digest than protein and fat, meaning you'll feel hungry faster if you load up on carbs instead of balancing out your meals. 'If you start your day with just milk and cereal, your blood sugars will spike and then crash,' explains Mirkin. 'This will cause you to reach for more carbohydrates to lift you up again.'Relentless fatigue If you feel tired all the time, or you're struggling to concentrate, low protein may be to blame. 'If you're skimping on protein, you may feel brain fog,' says Mirkin. 'Protein makes you feel more awake and alert, while carbohydrates can make you feel sleepy.' Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, can also cause extreme fatigue. Some foods high in iron also happen to be high in protein, so you can cover both bases by eating foods like beans, quinoa, ground beef, and chicken loss A thinner ponytail could be your body's way of crying out for help. 'Hair loss is very common from low-calorie and low-protein diets,' says Mirkin. 'Essential amino acids are necessary for healthy hair, skin, and nails.' So if your hair starts thinning or falling out, make sure you're getting enough protein. And if you are, talk to your doctor—hair loss is also associated with a range of other health that won't budge If you're losing weight, but your clothes are still tight, you may be dropping muscle instead of fat. This is especially true if you're not getting enough post-workout protein, or if you're over 40—the age when many people begin losing muscle mass. 'When our hormones start to change, eating protein becomes even more essential, because this is the time when our body starts losing lean mass,' says swings If you're feeling grumpier than usual, you may not be imagining it. Protein can boost your mood by providing the amino acids needed to produce feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. 'Without these essential amino acids, you are likely to experience depression, mood swings, and anxiety,' says or bloating If you constantly feel bloated—even while avoiding bloat-inducing beverages and foods—you may be low on protein. 'Protein is necessary to maintain an adequate balance of fluid in and outside of the cells of your body,' says Mirkin. And remember, bloating doesn't always happen in your belly. You can also experience swelling in your legs and ankles due to lack of immune system Taking more sick days than usual? A low-protein diet may be to blame, Mirkin says. Protein powers the antibodies that fend off sickness, making it a major immune booster.'Most high-protein foods also contain zinc, which helps fight infection,' she adds. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
