Introduction

A Heart attack is most commonly caused by a sudden blockage of the blood supply to the heart muscle itself, for example a blood clot.

Recognition

• Persistent central chest pain - often described as a heavy pressure crushing or vice like pain
• The pain often spreads (radiates) to the jaw, neck and down one or both arms
• Breathlessness
• Discomfort high in the abdomen similar to indigestion.
• There could be collapse without warning,
• Ashen skin and blueness at the lips,
• Rapid, weak pulse which may be irregular.
• Profuse sweating, skin cold to the touch,
• Gasping for air (air hunger)
• Nausea and/or vomiting.

Treatment

Your aim is to make the casualty as comfortable as possible and arrange urgent removal to hospital.

• Sit the casualty down in the ‘W’ position: Semi-recumbent (sitting up at about 75° to the ground) with knees bent.
• Dial 999 or 112 for the ambulance.

If the casualty is fully conscious:

• Give him or her a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew slowly provided there are no reasons not to give the aspirin and provided the patient is not under 16 years of age.
• If the casualty has any medication for angina, such as tablet or spray, then assist them to take it.
• Constantly monitor and record the vital signs, breathing and pulse rate etc, until help arrives.

If the casualty becomes unconscious:

• you need to open the airway and check breathing and be prepared to start CPR if necessary, please refer to the tips on CPR for adults.