Did you know that the death rate from heart disease is quite high in the world? According to WHO data in 2021, deaths caused by heart disease reached 17.8 million deaths, with the highest cause being death due to heart attack. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart is significantly interrupted or stopped. Impaired blood flow to the heart can occur due to the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the coronary arteries. These fatty deposits contain cholesterol which is known as plaque and the process of plaque buildup can be called atherosclerosis. Sometimes, the plaque can burst and form clots that can obstruct blood flow, resulting in narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which can inhibit blood supply to the heart and cause damage to the heart muscle. Risk factors that contribute to heart attacks are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
A heart attack is dangerous and can lead to death if it is not treated promptly, appropriately and safely. So, what first aid can be done when a heart attack occurs?
1. Immediately contact the nearest ER
When you or a loved one experiences a heart attack, you should immediately contact the nearest hospital or Emergency Room (ER). If the hospital or emergency room does not respond quickly, immediately ask your family or closest neighbors to take you to the hospital. Avoid driving alone because it risks endangering your life and the lives of others.
2. Giving Medication to Reduce Blood Clotting
If available, give medicine to heart attack sufferers to reduce blood clotting and improve blood flow to the heart. Also make sure that the person experiencing a heart attack is not allergic or has contraindications to the drug before giving it.
3. Check symptoms and vital signs
Pay attention if there are symptoms such as: shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or confusion, convey this information to the medical staff who will come. You must continue to check the patient's condition periodically regarding breathing, pulse, and the patient's conscious response. Try not to leave the patient under any circumstances to help you be more alert to the patient's condition. Stay calm and provide emotional support to heart attack sufferers by speaking softly and providing a sense of security.
4. Do not give food or drink
Avoid giving food or drink to someone who is having a heart attack. Giving food or drink can only be done if the patient is conscious and able to swallow it.
The steps above are only the initial stages in treating a heart attack. The patient needs to be taken immediately to a medical facility for further evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by a healthcare professional. With us, heart attack patients will receive swift, precise and safe treatment. EMC Hospital doctors will provide more professional advanced treatment accompanied by the best medical facilities to restore the condition of heart attack patients more quickly and safely. Let's protect yourself and your loved ones with proper heart attack first aid.
Article written by dr. Ina Nadia, Sp.JP, FIHA (Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).