Heart disease is the leading cause of death for seniors, and a heart attack can be very frightening for everyone involved. During a heart attack, blood flow to the heart muscle is severely decreased or cut off entirely. This can happen when the arteries connected to the heart narrow as substances like fat and cholesterol build up.
Knowing how to identify the signs of a heart attack can help you take action quickly if it ever happens to you or a loved one. In this post, we’ll discuss the range of symptoms that people can experience.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Signs of a heart attack can include any of the following:
- The sensation of pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning, numbness, or aching in the chest
- Tightness or pains in the jaw, shoulders, neck, back, or either arm
- The sense of indigestion, acid reflux, or choking
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Unexplained weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Breaking into a cold sweat
- Paleness or clammy skin
For both men and women, chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom. “Some women having a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them,” notes the American Heart Association (AHA). Women may also experience symptoms like anxiety, upset stomach, shortness of breath, and pain in the shoulder, back, or arm.
However, the signs can be more subtle—for instance, someone could experience shortness of breath without obvious chest pain. Women, older people, and those with diabetes are more prone to experience subtler symptoms like weakness or nausea. It could feel like overwhelming exhaustion, for instance. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared and heed potential warning signs.
What to Do in the Event of a Heart Attack
Taking these steps promptly can make all the difference if you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack.
Call for Help
If you experience any of these symptoms—or any that seem unusual or frightening—call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence, and paramedics can immediately start providing treatment.
Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital, which can put you and others in danger. And don’t have a friend drive you, as that can also delay care. In an ambulance, people receive treatment up to an hour sooner than those arriving at the hospital by car—and once there, they don’t have to wait for care.
While waiting for help, consider calling a family member or neighbor, as long as you don’t need to get off the line with emergency services to do so.
Ease the Symptoms
Chew on and swallow a 325-mg aspirin or two 81-mg baby aspirin, unless you’re on a medication that interacts with it. This can help prevent the blood from clotting.
Try to stay calm, too. Lying down and taking deep breaths can help slow your heart rate, keeping the problem from getting worse.
Prepare for First Responders
Unlock your front door and put pets in a closed room, unless doing so would require too much exertion. Have your list of medications and allergies handy as well.
Seek treatment quickly even if the symptoms pass. They could be a warning sign that something more severe is about to happen.
Spotting Symptoms Early On
Elder care technologies, like health monitoring devices, can help detect a potential heart attack. This could be especially helpful for those experiencing cognitive decline, who may not verbalize symptoms in time.
In-home care services can also enhance your loved one’s safety and well-being. An attentive companion care aid can ensure seniors receive treatment promptly in the event of a health emergency. They can also prepare healthy meals and help your loved one maintain an appropriate exercise routine, supporting heart health.
To learn more about how elder care can support safety and wellness, contact us today for a free nurse consultation!
