It is seen that around thirty percent of deaths worldwide are due to heart attack, which occurs when coronary arteries or the blood vessels which supply nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscles thicken due to the deposition of cholesterol and other fatty substances, ultimately affecting the blood supply to the heart.
In case, you suffer an attack when present alone and you realize that you cannot even make it to the nearest hospital, there are some solutions which might save your life, if you’ve taken the time to prepare yourself.
Try forceful coughing or cough CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Even though, the American Heart Association does not recommend this method in absence of medical supervision, you can still follow this, as it brings little harm. In case, you are conscious and capable then forceful, repetitive coughing can be effective, in providing blood flow to the heart, thereby allowing cardiac rhythm to be re established. But this is one good technique for self administration, especially in patients with known cardiac disease and abnormal heart rhythms, as, coughing helps to restore the rhythm in some cases.
Stop the activity you are in and take an aspirin or an emergency drug prescribed
It is important not to exert yourself anymore and immediately stop the activity you are in, as you have only few seconds and you might become unconscious later. Inform the emergency care unit, about just the details of your location, other than anything else.
If you are still a little conscious and capable, take an aspirin at the initial sign, as, it aids in blood flow and prevents blood clots. Just chew it, instead of reaching out for any liquid ,as, you need to react quick to an attack especially when you are all alone.
Increase your awareness and keep other useful devices handy
Many people are prone to a second attack and the symptoms may not be the same. So, ask your doctor about all the emergency signs which signal an attack and also keep information ready about places which provide immediate medical help during an emergency.
Information about the support groups and other organizations can be best retrieved through the hospital staff and people who have suffered from the same problem. Getting involved or communicating with such groups improves your awareness about availability of resources etc, to deal with your condition in a better way. It is important to review all the measures, educate yourself in order to stay on track for a smooth transition.
Be prepared. Buy devices which are available in the market these days, which will connect you to the medical personnel by the press of a button. Keep bottled oxygen handy, if you have a known history of the disease, so that, you can administer it yourself, in times of need.
Act fast, do not delay
Do not delay thinking that it is indigestion, be aware of the symptoms. It is important to know and recognize the emergency signs and ways to identify them in order to reach out for prompt medical attention. Frequent visits as advised, especially to a cardiologist are required for people who have suffered attacks earlier, as chances of a future attack increase. They can equip themselves with information about how to deal with an attack when present alone.
Your doctor may prescribe some medicines in times of emergency like beta blocking drugs, it is important to ask and know about each medicine, dosage. It is essential to follow other instructions as given by your doctor.
Try other techniques
Few other alternatives are present which are simple and can be learnt, even by the elderly. They feature simple strategies which can be done very quickly within those crucial few minutes, in order to restore circulation and oxygen supply. If you are feeling very uneasy, but are in a position to realize what is happening, try to raise legs two feet above the plane of the reclining body in order to allow the fluid to return to the central circulation. In the mean while, call for medical assistance.
The intensity of the attack, age of the patient, presence of other complications play a role in dealing with the attack, however these simple techniques prove beneficial at times until trained medical help arrives.
But, the most prudent course of action is to confirm the information with a medical professional before implementing these techniques, in testing times. A fact which is scientifically proven is that cardiovascular diseases are preventable (80%) they can be controlled and well managed through alterations in diet, activity levels other simple precautions which can reduce the risk in future.
