What to do if someone has a heart attack: Expert-recommended immediate steps to follow that could be life-saving
Heart attacks are sudden, life-threatening emergencies that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Immediate action is often the difference between survival and fatality. Cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra, a functional medicine expert, recently shared crucial steps that bystanders can take if someone suffers a heart attack, emphasizing the importance of rapid intervention and chest compressions. His guidance, shared via Instagram and the “Impact Stories” podcast, is especially relevant for those who may witness an incident in public or at home without immediate access to medical professionals.
Understanding heart attacks: Causes, symptoms, and risks
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, typically by a clot or buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing tissue damage and potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
Common symptoms include severe chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and sudden weakness. In some cases, symptoms may be subtle, making immediate recognition challenging. Dr. Chopra highlights that understanding these signs and acting swiftly is critical to saving a life.
Heart attacks are highly time-sensitive. Even a delay of a few minutes can result in irreversible damage to the heart or brain. This is why knowing life-saving first aid steps can make a life-or-death difference.
Heart attack life saving essential measures to act immediately: Doctor insights
When a person collapses from a heart attack, crowds tend to gather, creating chaos and restricting airflow. Dr. Chopra advises immediately removing bystanders to give the patient space to breathe. A calm and clear environment ensures that emergency aid, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), can be administered efficiently and without interruptions.
The next crucial step is positioning yourself correctly. Dr. Chopra recommends straddling the patient with one leg on each side. This allows you to apply your full body weight during compressions, which is necessary for effective circulation. Kneeling beside the patient and placing your hands on the center of the chest ensures that the heart receives adequate pressure with each push.
Correct positioning is critical because improper technique can reduce the effectiveness of compressions or cause injuries. However, during emergencies, restoring blood flow takes priority over potential rib fractures, which can be treated later.
The cornerstone of heart attack first aid is CPR, which manually pumps blood through the heart when it has stopped. Dr. Chopra explains that the sternum should be compressed 3 to 6 inches with each push.
During compressions, the patient’s skin may appear bluish or dark due to oxygen deprivation. A return of normal skin color is a positive sign that blood circulation is being restored.
Consistency is vital. Chest compressions should continue without pause, ideally at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. This rhythm maintains oxygen flow to vital organs and reduces the risk of permanent damage.
For trained individuals, the CPR process includes a cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. These breaths provide oxygen to the lungs and enhance the effectiveness of compressions.
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, it should be used immediately. The AED can deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat in cases of cardiac arrest. Early use of an AED, combined with CPR, dramatically improves survival rates.
Time is the most crucial factor in heart attack survival. Dr. Chopra notes that if no improvement occurs within five to ten minutes of continuous CPR, the patient may not survive. However, consistent effort can sustain circulation long enough for emergency medical services to arrive.
Even if the patient does not immediately recover, continuing CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs, maximizing the chance of survival. Every second counts in these emergencies.
Importance of learning CPR
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should know, not just medical professionals. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt and effective CPR can double or triple survival rates after cardiac arrest. Training in CPR ensures that bystanders can act confidently, knowing how to position their hands, apply compressions, and administer rescue breaths.
Dr. Chopra emphasises that even without formal training, following clear steps to perform chest compressions can save lives. Knowledge, preparation, and quick action are the keys to surviving a heart attack.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for guidance regarding any medical condition or emergency.
Also Read | What’s in Bryan Johnson’s ‘don’t die’ prison-edition nutrition plan that Elizabeth Holmes swears by to stay healthy and boost longevity
Understanding heart attacks: Causes, symptoms, and risks
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, typically by a clot or buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing tissue damage and potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
Common symptoms include severe chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and sudden weakness. In some cases, symptoms may be subtle, making immediate recognition challenging. Dr. Chopra highlights that understanding these signs and acting swiftly is critical to saving a life.
Heart attacks are highly time-sensitive. Even a delay of a few minutes can result in irreversible damage to the heart or brain. This is why knowing life-saving first aid steps can make a life-or-death difference.
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Heart attack life saving essential measures to act immediately: Doctor insights
- Step 1: Clear the area around the patient
When a person collapses from a heart attack, crowds tend to gather, creating chaos and restricting airflow. Dr. Chopra advises immediately removing bystanders to give the patient space to breathe. A calm and clear environment ensures that emergency aid, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), can be administered efficiently and without interruptions.
- Step 2: Proper positioning for effective chest compressions
The next crucial step is positioning yourself correctly. Dr. Chopra recommends straddling the patient with one leg on each side. This allows you to apply your full body weight during compressions, which is necessary for effective circulation. Kneeling beside the patient and placing your hands on the center of the chest ensures that the heart receives adequate pressure with each push.
Correct positioning is critical because improper technique can reduce the effectiveness of compressions or cause injuries. However, during emergencies, restoring blood flow takes priority over potential rib fractures, which can be treated later.
- Step 3: Administer chest compressions with CPR
The cornerstone of heart attack first aid is CPR, which manually pumps blood through the heart when it has stopped. Dr. Chopra explains that the sternum should be compressed 3 to 6 inches with each push.
During compressions, the patient’s skin may appear bluish or dark due to oxygen deprivation. A return of normal skin color is a positive sign that blood circulation is being restored.
Consistency is vital. Chest compressions should continue without pause, ideally at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. This rhythm maintains oxygen flow to vital organs and reduces the risk of permanent damage.
- Step 4: Rescue breaths and using an AED
For trained individuals, the CPR process includes a cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. These breaths provide oxygen to the lungs and enhance the effectiveness of compressions.
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, it should be used immediately. The AED can deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat in cases of cardiac arrest. Early use of an AED, combined with CPR, dramatically improves survival rates.
- Step 5: Understanding the critical time window
Time is the most crucial factor in heart attack survival. Dr. Chopra notes that if no improvement occurs within five to ten minutes of continuous CPR, the patient may not survive. However, consistent effort can sustain circulation long enough for emergency medical services to arrive.
Even if the patient does not immediately recover, continuing CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs, maximizing the chance of survival. Every second counts in these emergencies.
Importance of learning CPR
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should know, not just medical professionals. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt and effective CPR can double or triple survival rates after cardiac arrest. Training in CPR ensures that bystanders can act confidently, knowing how to position their hands, apply compressions, and administer rescue breaths.
Dr. Chopra emphasises that even without formal training, following clear steps to perform chest compressions can save lives. Knowledge, preparation, and quick action are the keys to surviving a heart attack.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for guidance regarding any medical condition or emergency.
Also Read | What’s in Bryan Johnson’s ‘don’t die’ prison-edition nutrition plan that Elizabeth Holmes swears by to stay healthy and boost longevity
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