CHEST DISCOMFORT.WHAT2DO/NOT2DO

CHEST DISCOMFORT-EMERGENCY

WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO.


Chest discomfort need not be always associated with heart.
But sometimes many persons mistake heartburn,acidity,difficulty in breathing,tightness or heaviness in the chest as some other disease but ultimately turn out to be heart problem.

So these days it is better to be extra cautious.

During any kind of Chest discomfort/pain, please note the following.

Symptoms in adults may include:

• Chest pain 
  • Usually in the center of chest
  • Lasts for a more than a few minutes or comes and goes
  • May feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness
  • Pain may be felt in other areas of the upper body, such as the jaw, shoulder, one or both arms, back, and stomach area
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

Women are more likely than men to have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain, and shortness of breath with chest pain

First Aid

1. Have the person sit down, rest, and try to keep calm.
2. Loosen any tight clothing.
3. Ask if the person takes any chest pain medication for a known heart condition.
4. Help the person take the medication (usually nitroglycerin or sorbitrate which is placed under the tongue).
5. If the pain does not go away promptly with rest or within 3 minutes of taking nitroglycerin, call for emergency medical help.
6. If the person is unconscious and unresponsive,  ( contact for emergency help), then begin CPR.
7. If an infant or child is unconscious and unresponsive, perform 1 minute of CPR, then call for emergency help.

THESE STEPS MAY SAVE THE PERSONS LIFE

Please Note

 In any kind of Chest discomfort or Chest Pain-

• Do Not do any kind of strenous work like walking long distance, climbing steps to a hospital,unless it is cleared that your chest discomfort is not concerned with the heart.
• Do Not give an unconscious person any food or drink.
• Do Not leave the person alone.
• Do Not place a pillow under the head of an unconscious person.
• Do Not slap an unconscious person's face or splash water on the face to try to revive him

Risk Factors;


Those with risk factors have to be extra careful-

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Family history of Coronory Artery Disease.

Preparing in Advance for a Heart Emergency

If you have a high risk of heart disease, many questions probably pop into your head. “What will my family do?” “What if I am by myself and have a heart attack?” You begin to realize there are many preparations that should be made in the event that something serious can happen.
If you or anyone in your family is at high risk of having a heart attack, you should be prepared for an emergency, because up to 3/4 of heart attacks happen at home.
You, your family, and your friends should all know the warning signs of a heart attack and also learn how to do CPR. Emphasize the importance of calling an Ambulance or your local emergency number.
Decide who you would want to take care of your home, children, pets, and other dependents during your illness and discuss each detail with them. Make sure your house or apartment has a number that is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can easily spot it.
Make up several envelopes that contain information about whom to call in case you have an emergency, such as your family members and your doctor’s phone number. Also, put a list of your medications and any you are allergic to in the envelopes. Put an envelope at your home, one in your car, and one at your work.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital if you think you are having a heart emergency. Call Emergency or have someone call them for you.
Take time to study the tips and learn all the symptoms of heart attack or heart disease, especially if you or someone you love is at risk. It will be worth it if a heart emergency does arise.

Prevention.

• People with known medical conditions, such as diabetes, should maintain blood sugar levels.
• Avoid situations where your blood sugar level gets too low.
• Avoid standing in one place too long without moving, especially if prone to fainting.
• If you feel like you are about to faint, lie down or sit with your head bent forward between you knees