What are the Causes of a Heart Attack or myocardial infarction? Parts of the heart muscle don’t get enough blood, and the more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of heart attack. A less common cause is a severe spasm, or sudden contraction, of a coronary artery that can stop blood flow to the heart muscle.
Following the five significant signs of a Heart Attack
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
- Shortness of breath
What Should You Do if you Experience these Symptoms?
If you notice the symptoms of a heart attack in yourself or someone else, call 000 immediately. The sooner you get to an emergency room, the sooner you can get treatment to reduce the amount of damage to the heart muscle.
At the hospital, health care professionals can run tests to determine whether a heart attack is occurring and decide on the best treatment.
Chew and swallow an aspirin while waiting for emergency help. Aspirin helps keep blood from clotting, and when taken during a heart attack, it could reduce heart damage.
Take nitroglycerin if prescribed. If you think you’re having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin, take it as directed while waiting for emergency medical help. Don’t take aspirin if you are allergic to it or have been told by your doctor never to take it.
Begin CPR if the person is unconscious. If the person isn’t breathing or you don’t find a pulse, begin CPR to keep blood flowing after you call for emergency medical help.
Push hard and fast on the centre of the person’s chest in a relatively rapid rhythm — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is immediately available and the person is unconscious, follow the device’s instructions.
