Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help

Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  February 28, 2020

Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help | Many of us expect a heart attack to look like a big, sudden event, with someone collapsing to the ground. However, that is not always the case. In fact, some people don’t even realize that they’ve had a heart attack until much later.

Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help:

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks

Chest Discomfort – One of the biggest symptoms is chest discomfort. Not everyone feels the same thing, but many people report feeling an intense pressure or squeezing feeling.

Other Pain or Discomfort – Some people feel pain or discomfort in other parts of their body during a heart attack. For example, some people feel jaw, back, or even arm pain during a heart attack. It’s more common for women to feel pain in other areas of the body, but it can happen to men too.

Shortness of Breath – Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a heart attack. Not everyone has this symptom, and many people don’t think of it as a symptom of a heart attack. Regardless of other symptoms, someone experiencing shortness of breath should seek treatment immediately.

Nausea – Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy. Some may even vomit or have cold sweats.

Impending Sense of Doom – Those who have had heart attacks report that they felt an “impending sense of doom,” or a strong feeling that something was wrong. If you or a loved one is feeling this, it’s best to go get checked out – especially if other symptoms are present.

How to Treat Heart Attacks

If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. They may tell you to give the person aspirin, so keep some on hand in your medicine cabinet in case. If they go into cardiac arrest, the dispatcher may have you start CPR compressions. They will guide you through this.

Many people recover from a heart attack and are able to get back to regular life in a few weeks. It’s important to follow a doctor’s directions and take it easy, especially for the first few weeks after the heart attack.

How to Prevent Heart Attacks

Here are some ways to prevent a heart attack.

• Avoid Smoking
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

Heart health is especially important for seniors. At Comfort Keepers of Calgary, our caregivers can help your loved one create and keep good habits. Whether it’s daily exercise, creating a meal plan, or making sure your loved one is taking their medications on time, our caregivers can help.

Interested in working with Comfort Keepers? Contact us at our Calgary location today.Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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