RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Chest pain and tingling in the left arm are the classic symptoms of a heart attack, but the heart gives other indications that cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, due to a total lack of knowledge, about 100,000 heart attack deaths are recorded annually in Brazil, according to data from the Brazilian Society of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology (SBHCI).
Many of these lives could be saved if the symptoms were quickly detected and the search for assistance achieved in a short period of time. Often patients neglect the symptoms, thus leading to a delay in the search for adequate medical care. Improving this scenario and reducing heart attack deaths is not only the focus of the Heart Alert Campaign but an attitude for all of us.
According to the cardiologist surgeon and member of the SBHCI, Dr. Rodrigo Esper, recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is extremely important. “Every second saved in the assistance of a heart attack is valuable. “Time is muscle” and when the heart is infarcted, the sequelae may become more and more severe and patients may die if they do not get timely treatment”, explains Dr. Esper.
After all, what are the other symptoms that need to be recognized and promoted? How to seek help? What to say when you get to the emergency room with the symptoms mentioned? The Heart Alert Campaign has prepared a list of the top 10 symptoms of a heart attack.
Check them out:
- Chest pain;
- Any sharp pain above the navel;
- Pain in the arms, especially the left;
- Back and neck pain;
- Pain in the jaw;
- Excessive sweating;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Pallor;
- Shortness of breath;
- Sensation of fainting.
How to help someone with the symptoms of a heart attack:
If you are with someone displaying these symptoms, act promptly, seek help and call 193. While medical help is not available, take the following action:
- Soothe and keep the victim warm;
- Unless medically advised, do not offer anything to eat or drink. If the victim has no difficulty swallowing and is not allergic, give them an aspirin pill, which helps prevent blood clots;
- If the victim passes out, check his or her breathing and pulse. If the victim has no vital signs, immediately begin cardiopulmonary recovery procedures (heart massage) and call the emergency team.
If you are the victim:
- Cough hard, deep and long, several times. Do not forget to inhale before coughing;
- Call someone who can provide help;
- Seek help for speedy transport to a hospital.
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