Heart Attack

A sudden blockage of one of the coronary arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle resulting in an immediate life-threatening risk. If not corrected quickly there is a risk of serious permanent heart muscle damage or death. Urgent medical care is required so the casualty can receive clot-dissolving medications that clear the blocked artery, restore blood supply to the heart muscle and limit damage to the heart – “every minute counts”.

A heart attack is different from, but may lead to, cardiac arrest. Not all heart attacks are accompanied by pain, some casualty’s simply look and feel unwell, and some may dismiss their symptoms as ‘indigestion’.

Signs and symptoms

• Constant dull heavy pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest

• Pain may come on suddenly, or start slowly and may be - 1) described as tightness, heaviness, fullness or squeezing, 2) severe, moderate or mild and 3) radiating into jaw, neck, throat, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands

• Nausea, dizziness and/or shortness of breath

• Skin very pale and sweaty, does not look well

Warning signs – Remember, if the warning signs are severe, get worse quickly, or last longer than 10 minutes, an ambulance must be called immediately.

First aid

Call an ambulance immediately. If possible, stay with the person and call for assistance to get medications:

• Keep the casualty still, discourage any physical activity, make comfortable

• Stay with them until the ambulance arrives

• If prescribed medication such as a tablet or oral spray to treat chest pain or angina, assist them to take as directed

• Give aspirin (300 mg) if directed. The Australian Resuscitation Council states that this is considered to be a reasonable approach if the casualty does not have a history of anaphylaxis or bleeding disorder