First aid - heart attack
Key points
- A heart attack is a condition in which damage to an area of heart muscle occurs because of inadequate oxygen supply to the region.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America today.
- In adults, causes of heart attack include clot formation or spasm in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
- Note: Heart attacks may be associated with a wide range of symptoms, from subtle to intense.
Alternative names
Heart attack first aid; First aid - cardiopulmonary arrest; First aid - cardiac arrest
Definition
A heart attack is a condition in which damage to an area of heart muscle occurs because of inadequate oxygen supply to the region. Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart stops or is otherwise unable to pump enough blood to supply vital organs. Cardiopulmonary arrest is a sudden cessation of both breathing and effective heart function.
Considerations
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America today.
Heart attacks may cause immediate cardiac arrest (cease in heartbeat) or may progress to cardiac arrest. However, not every heart attack causes cardiac arrest.
Many heart attack victims die before they reach a hospital. The average person waits 3 hours before seeking help for symptoms of a heart attack. The sooner someone gets to the emergency room, the better his or her chance of not only surviving, but also of minimizing heart damage following the attack.
Causes
In adults, causes of heart attack include clot formation or spasm in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. These and other similar conditions block the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of the heart, leading to damage or death of the cells in that area. Most often, this occurs in an artery that has been narrowed from changes related to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Other causes for cardiac arrest may include drowning, suffocation, electrical shock, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), drug overdose, and trauma.
Babies and children rarely suffer heart attacks. Atherosclerotic heart disease is extremely rare in infants and children. The primary cause for cardiac arrest in children is a preceeding respiratory arrest (cessation of breathing). This may occur for a number of reasons including drowning, suffocation, electrical shock, illness, poisoning, and inhaling or swallowing a foreign object (foreign body aspiration).
Symptoms
In adults:
- chest pain behind the breastbone
o pain may radiate to the:
+ neck, teeth, or jaw
+ arms, shoulder, or back
+ abdomen - pain is similar to angina, but not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- pain that may be described as:
o squeezing, aching, tightness, or pressure
o a tight band on the chest
o "an elephant sitting on my chest"
o "bad indigestion" or heartburno pain may be intense or subtle; however, the victim may not have any pain at all
Frequently asked questions
What is first aid?
A heart attack is a condition in which damage to an area of heart muscle occurs because of inadequate oxygen supply to the region. Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart stops or is otherwise unable to pump enough blood to supply vital organs. Cardiopulmonary arrest is a sudden cessation of both breathing and effective heart function.
What causes first aid?
In adults, causes of heart attack include clot formation or spasm in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. These and other similar conditions block the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of the heart, leading to damage or death of the cells in that area. Most often, this occurs in an artery that has been narrowed from changes related to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Other causes for cardiac arrest may include drowning, suffocation, electrical shock, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), drug overdose, and trauma. Babies and children rarely suffer heart attacks. Atherosclerotic heart disease is extremely rare in infants and children.
What are the symptoms of first aid?
In adults:
- chest pain behind the breastbone o pain may radiate to the: + neck, teeth, or jaw + arms, shoulder, or back + abdomen
- pain is similar to angina, but not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- pain that may be described as: o squeezing, aching, tightness, or pressure o a tight band on the chest o "an elephant sitting on my chest" o "bad indigestion" or heartburn o pain may be intense or subtle; however, the victim may not have any pain at all
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.