Have you ever wondered why certain apartments and schools have defibrillators installed already? You also must have seen people carrying it from place to place. Well, living alone is peaceful and exciting until you have a heart condition. From doing household chores to juggling work, doing it alone can be challenging. The real concern starts when you start thinking of what if you get a heart attack. How can you survive it alone? How to know if you are having a heart attack? Well, to make sure you are prepared to face any situation, here is your ultimate guide.
Symptoms of Heart Attack
When you are someone with a heart condition, you must always be prepared and ready to face any situation. This starts with knowing the symptoms of a heart attack, which include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Breath shortness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Discomfort breathing
- Squeezing sensation or ache in the heart
A heart attack may develop gradually over time as a result of cardiac disease. Sometimes, it may also occur suddenly and without the usual warning symptoms. As a result, individuals with heart conditions must do regular checkups. For emergencies, you must also keep yourself stocked and trained in using tools like defibrillators.
Tips to Survive a Heart Attack When Alone
Whether you are a heart patient or not, people often worry about experiencing a heart attack once in their lifetime. Are you worried too? Well, if yes, then you can increase your chances of survival during emergencies by following these tips:
1. Call for Emergency Help
In the event of a heart attack, the most important action to take is to call for emergency help. It provides the patient with competent assistance as soon as possible. For this, any landline or mobile phone can be used to dial the emergency number in your region.
Instead of hesitating, remember that calling for aid implies also when you’re not sure if you or someone is having a heart attack. If possible, stay on the line with the operator and provide them with all the information they request. This will assist them in setting priorities for the case and quickly sending out medical personnel.
2. Take Aspirin & Don’t Panic
During a heart attack, chew and swallow the aspirin, followed by sitting down and taking time to recover. If you experience lightheadedness or vertigo, bend your knees and rest on your left side. This method enhances the heart’s blood flow. You should also try to get someone to accompany you until the ambulance arrives.
They can help to soothe you and give you much-needed comfort. Meanwhile, keep breathing deeply and try to unwind as much as you can. Try not to panic, even though it could be challenging. Keep in mind that assistance is coming, so until it does, you must concentrate on looking after yourself, especially if you are alone.
3. Loosen Tight Clothing
Another way you can survive a heart attack is by loosening your tight garments. This facilitates breathing and guarantees unhindered blood flow. When alone, don’t panic, instead gently take off any tight collars, belts, or bindings that are limiting their movement.
Don’t pull off your clothes harshly or aggressively, as it may cause unnecessary strain on the body. Besides, you must also always keep in contact with your healthcare professional. You must also seek advice in advance as to what you must do during emergencies.
Best Technique and Tool to Rely on for Surviving a Heart Attack
In addition to seeking help or calling an ambulance, you can also rely on medical tools during emergencies. For surviving a heart attack, the best method you can follow is CPR, and for the tool, a portable defibrillator is helpful. Furthermore, here is what you need to know:
1. CPR
When it comes to surviving a heart attack or helping someone survive it, a method you can implement is CPR. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation saves lives even before any medical help arrives. Because you may never know such emergencies can happen it is important to always stay prepared by learning steps.
Besides, if alone and experiencing cardiac arrest, remember to avoid coughing repeatedly. This may worsen your illness and further harm your heart. Instead, try to sit down and take deep, steady breaths if you are experiencing a heart attack. Focus on your breathing and try to relax as much as you can. However, given the situation, you must cough slowly and gently and not cough violently or frequently.
2. AED
A medical device you can rely on is an AED, an automated or semi-automated external portable defibrillator. This tool can make a huge difference by delivering an electric shock to the heart. This way it restores the heart’s normal rhythm, thereby increasing the likelihood of survival. It is crucial to keep yourself and others trained in using such devices when needed.
In case you don’t have this device, tell someone close to you to locate the nearest defibrillator if you are still conscious. If you have a heart attack, even a non-professional can assist you thanks to the defibrillators’ simple-to-follow instructions. However, it is recommended to always carry portable defibrillators everywhere you go, along with a carrying case.
Become Your Own Health Expert
At MedGuard, we understand that every second matters during a heart attack. Keeping this in mind, we provide you with the best medical supplies and tools. From defibrillators to defibrillator accessories and more, we have everything you are looking for. As your one-stop destination, we keep ourselves always stocked with products from the world’s best brands.
Before delivering them to you, they undergo rigorous tests ensuring you get accurate results. Simply put, we assure you optimal performance and longevity. We cater to a wide array of industries and ensure prompt delivery to your doorstep. Moreover, you can reach out to us anytime, be it if you are looking for personalised guidance or to make orders.