Heart Attack Information - Early Signs and Warning, First Aid, Cause, Treatment and Symptoms of Massive Heart Attack

If the coronary artery becomes completely blocked, the area of the heart being supplied by that particular blood vessel will be starved of oxygen and will eventually die. This blockagemay be caused by a clot, a condition often referred to as a coronary thrombosis.

The development of advanced cardiac care in hospital and good post-hospital care means that heart attack patients have a good chance of making a full recovery. This is important information to remember when you are reassuring somebody having a heart attack.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

These signs and symptoms are generally the same as those of angina - indeed, the patient may initially sufferan angina attack that becomes a heart attack.

The key difference is that heart attacks do not always follow physicalexertion. While angina suffererswill recover from their attack on resting, heart attack patients do not tend to improve without medical treatment.

Treatment for Heart Attack

• Move the casualty into a semi-sitting position, head and shoulders supported and knees bent, as this is generally the best position to breathe in.
• Reassure the casualty and do not let her move, as this will place an extra strain on the heart.
• Call for an ambulance as soon as possible because the casualty needs hospital care.
• If the casualty has angina medication, let her take this. If you have an ordinary aspirin, give her one to chew (without water).
• Keep a continual check on the breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.