Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack generally causes chest pain for more than 15 minutes, but it can also be silent and have no symptoms at all. Someone having an attack may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the centre of the chest
• The pain might last several minutes or come and go. It may be triggered by exertion and relieved by rest
• Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen
• Discomfort or pain spreading beyond the chest to the shoulders, neck, jaw, teeth, or one or both the arms
• Shortness of breath
• Light-headedness, dizziness, fainting
• Sweating
• Nausea

The first aid to be provided to a person with a heart attack includes:

1. The person must be made to sit down and be calmed
2. The doctor treating the person should be informed immediately
3. A hospital or ambulance service should be informed to rush the person to the nearest hospital
4. If the clothing is tight, it should be loosened
5. It is important to find out whether the person is a known heart patient, and if the doctor has prescribed any medication that is to be given when the person gets a chest pain or heart attack. Then the prescribed medicine should be given immediately. This medicine is usually given sublingually (placed under the tongue)
6. The pain should subside within three minutes of taking the medicine. If it does not, then probability of a heart attack is high
7. If the person is unconscious and unresponsive, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) should be performed

This year the World Heart Day will be observed with the theme �Work with Heart' which emphasizes on how you can take steps towards a healthier workplace which can reduce your risk to several diseases like heart diseases and stroke. The World Heart Day is a day to create public awareness of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and to promote preventive measures. It is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of September.

This year remember this day by introducing healthy habits in your life for a better heart, for a healthier you and for that invincible productivity at your workplace!