Did I have a Heart Attack

When someone experiences discomfort near the heart, the near and dear ones get into a state of panic. On a lighter note, this is not unusual since it is the matter of the heart, in a manner of speaking. But it is a fact that it raises the blood pressure of all those who are near that individual and each has his own interpretation of that pain and the relevant remedy. Very often, this misdirected and effusive attention that the individual receives becomes the problem and what is required is somebody with a calm disposition. Everybody does want to act in the individual’s best interest, but end up crowding him and making him more uncomfortable. It requires maturity and presence of mind, besides knowledge of what to do in these circumstances. Any make shift arrangements to move the individual may not be advisable.

When you are faced with such an event, and you are witness to some of the symptoms mentioned below, you need to call for the doctor. Hence having that number within easy access is most important to start with.

Look out for the following indications:

• A bloated feeling near the abdomen and absolute lack of interest to consume food accompanied by a desire to vomit.
• Extreme tiredness and a feeling of lethargy. No keenness to go about the daily chores.
• An existing upper tract infection of the respiratory canal becoming worse.
• Rapid heart beat at over 100 per minute.
• Intermittent and inconsistent heartbeat
• Pain in the chest and an uncomfortable feeling when active and which lessens when the person rests.
• Experiences breathlessness either during activity or even during resting periods.
• Irregular sleeping hours and a feeling of sleep deficit. Lethargy and the constant feeling of needing to sleep. Reluctance to get up despite not getting sleep.
• Urge to urinate not as frequent as before.
• A feeling of acute restlessness accompanied by a confused mind. Not able to explain clearly what is the problem to near and dear ones.
• Apprehensive about maintaining balance and a feeling of giddiness. The perception of instability remains for a period of time and is not intermittent.
• Very poor appetite over a period of time and no improvement.

When Should My Loved One Go to the Emergency Department?
You need to immediately call for the ambulance if the person complains of,

• A fresh bout of chest pain that is sudden and is accompanied by breathlessness, excessive sweating or a general feeling of weakness and desire to vomit.
• Rapid heart rate (more than 100-130 beats per minute) and accompanied by breathlessness.
• Breathlessness that does not get better with rest.
• A sudden inability to move the leg or arm.
• Acute pain and ache in the head.
• Dizziness and fainting leading to unconscious state.

Hope the above article has given clear instruction on how to diagnose and what steps to take to protect someone with heart problems.