What should you do if you are alone at home and your chest suddenly feels heavy, your heart races and you break into a cold sweat? Dr Parin Sangoi, an interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, told Indian Express Bangla that the first few minutes matter most, and precious time is lost trying to work out alone whether it is indigestion or a heart attack.

The first step is to call an emergency number. If chest pressure or pain comes with breathlessness, cold sweat, nausea, dizziness or discomfort in the arms, shoulders, back or jaw, do not wait to see if it passes; call an ambulance or emergency service immediately. The sooner a blocked artery is treated, the more heart muscle can be saved.

After calling, stop moving about and sit calmly somewhere safe. Keep the phone close and, if possible, unlock the front door so the medical team can get in. Do not try to drive yourself to hospital.

If a doctor has already prescribed a medicine such as nitroglycerin, take it as advised, but do not delay the call while looking for it. Aspirin is not suitable for everyone; take it only if the emergency operator or a doctor advises it and you have no allergy, and as they instruct.

The deadliest mistake is dismissing chest discomfort as acidity, gas or stress. Taking several medicines on your own, home remedies, searching the internet or waiting until symptoms become severe should all be avoided. Heart attack symptoms differ from person to person and cannot be judged reliably at home.

If someone suddenly stops responding and is not breathing normally, life-saving steps such as starting CPR quickly and, if available, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be needed, the report adds.

The report is by Indian Express Bangla's lifestyle desk.

Photo: Carolinapercas / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Source: Indian Express Bangla