Emergency First Aid Measures for Sudden Heart Attack
Jul 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Emergency measures for sudden-onset heart disease are as follows:
1. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are prone to acute angina pectoris during physical exertion or emotional stress. Once angina occurs, the patient should immediately cease all activity, breathe fresh air, and take emergency medications—such as sublingual nitroglycerin or rapid-acting cardiac rescue pills—under the tongue.
2. Patients with conditions including coronary artery disease, pulmonary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or other forms of heart disease are at risk of developing heart failure.
Heart disease is a very common condition in daily life; however, it often strikes suddenly and carries a high mortality rate. Without prompt first-aid intervention, serious complications may rapidly develop, endangering life. Appropriate emergency measures must therefore be implemented based on the specific clinical presentation following a cardiac event. So, what are the emergency measures for a heart attack?
First-Aid Measures for Sudden-Onset Heart Disease
The following first-aid steps apply to sudden-onset heart disease:
1. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are prone to acute angina pectoris during physical exertion or emotional stress. Upon onset of angina, the patient should immediately cease all activity, breathe fresh air, and take sublingual nitroglycerin or rapid-acting cardiovascular rescue pills (e.g., Su Xiao Jiu Xin Wan).
2. Patients with CAD, pulmonary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or other cardiac conditions are at risk for heart failure. If asthma-like symptoms (e.g., acute dyspnea, wheezing, or orthopnea) occur, the patient should immediately stop all activity, assume an upright seated position, receive supplemental oxygen, and take nitroglycerin or other appropriate emergency medications.
Sudden-onset heart disease is commonly associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). For example, atherosclerotic plaque rupture in the coronary arteries can lead to acute coronary occlusion and subsequent AMI. Delayed or inadequate emergency response frequently results in death. Sudden-onset heart disease may also stem from severe arrhythmias—such as tachyarrhythmias or, more critically, bradyarrhythmias—that compromise cardiac output. Additionally, acute heart failure can precipitate sudden cardiac decompensation.
In daily life, individuals should prioritize their physical health by maintaining a balanced diet, enhancing overall physical fitness, and cultivating healthy lifestyle habits. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
