In February we have been thinking a lot about our hearts with Valentine’s Day and Wear Red Day in support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, which has got us thinking about heart health. A healthy heart is important but if the worst happened would you be able to recognise a heart attack and know what to do?

Signs of a heart attack

The common signs for a heart attack that you should look for are:

• Chest pain, pressure, tightness or aching that can spread to the back, neck, arms or jaw that persists or come and go.
• Indigestion, heartburn, nausea or abdominal pain.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing which may occur without chest pain.
• Severe tiredness, cold sweats, dizziness or feeling lightheaded.

The signs for a heart attack in men and women can differ as women are more likely to experience wider symptoms than chest pain as described above as might the elderly or those with diabetes.

What should you do if you think someone is having a heart attack?

If you think someone is having a heart attack you should contact 999 immediately and seek help.

Whilst you are waiting for a paramedic you can help the person by:

• Helping them to stay calm.
• Make them comfortable and prevent them from exerting themselves.
• Check if they can take aspirin and give them a dose (one tablet) if they can take it and let the paramedics know they have had it.
• Monitor their condition and if it gets worse call 999 again to update them.
• Ask someone else to watch for the ambulance and help them find you.
• Help the person list their medication and collect any to take with them as well as getting their GP details if possible.

What should you do if the heart attack progresses into cardiac arrest?

If the person goes into cardiac arrest their heart will stop and they will fall unconscious. In these circumstances you should administer CPR.

If there is a defibrillator nearby, you could get someone to help you by accessing it. The defibrillator will have instructions to follow and there may be a trained person to support you.

Once the person’s heart starts again and breathing is established put them into the recovery position whilst waiting for an ambulance and continue to monitor them.

Recognising other heart conditions

Another common heart condition is angina which is a condition where people have a narrowing of the coronary arteries. The symptoms of angina can present in a similar way to a heart attack and can be easily confused. If this is the person’s first attack, assume they are having a heart attack and call 999 and send for a defibrillator