Q How do we recognize the symptoms of heart attack? What first aid can we give?
The classical symptoms of heart attack - Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back), a feeling of fullness, nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, sweating or a cold sweat, feeling of anxiety or an impending sense of doom, fatigue, trouble sleeping, lightheadedness or dizziness. If you experience any of the above symptoms, call for an ambulance immediately. Acting quickly in response to heart attack symptoms can save lives. If given within an hour of the first heart attack symptoms, clot-busting and artery-opening medications can stop a heart attack. Try to keep the person calm, and have them sit or lie down. Loosen their clothing to allow for easier breathing. If the person stops breathing, you or someone else who is qualified should perform CPR immediately. If you dont know CPR, try to give chest massage so the heart can pump blood artificially until the EMS personnel arrive.