11.3.6: Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is a situation when the heart loses adequate oxygen supply. A myocardial infarction is a medical emergency and help must be obtained immediately. The first few minutes of a heart attack are the most important and treatments given during this time will be most successful (American Heart Association, 2011).
Signs of a heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Pain that radiates (extends) to the jaw, arm, or back
- Nausea, vomiting
- Intense chest pressure (a feeling of heaviness and pressure)
- Diaphoresis (intense sweating)
- The patient clutches their chest
- Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Cyanosis (blue or gray appearance of the skin)
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Cold and clammy skin
- Weak and irregular pulse
- A sense of anxiety or impending doom
What to do :
- Immediately call 911 or the emergency medical services number in your area to obtain help.
- Follow all instructions provided to you by emergency services.
- Loosen any clothing around the patient’s neck.
- Place them in a comfortable position and encourage them to rest. Activity uses oxygen, which the heart does not have enough of during a heart attack.
- Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink.
- Observe their breathing rate and pulse. If trained to take vital signs, do so.
- If the patient stops breathing or no longer has a pulse, perform CPR if trained to do so . Perform hands-only CPR if you are not trained in CPR.
- Stay with the patient until help arrives.
- Inform a supervisor as soon as possible about the incident.
- Document the situation and all steps taken to provide care.
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following are signs of a heart attack? Select all that apply.
a). Diaphoresis
b). Jaw pain
c). Indigestion
d). Nausea
e). Anxiety
f). Shortness of breath
g). Cyanosis
h). Left arm pain
i). Chest pain
True or False
2. True or False: You should call 911 immediately if you suspect a person is having a heart attack. True or False? __________
- Answer
-
1. All are signs of a heart attack.
2. True
FEEDBACK:
1. Diaphoresis (sweating), chest pain which radiates to the jaw or arm, dyspnea (shortness of breath), nausea, anxiety, cyanosis (blue-gray appearance to the skin), and indigestion are all possible signs of a heart attack. The HHA/PCA should immediately contact emergency services and remain with the patient until help arrives. Keep the patient calm, seated, and as relaxed as possible.
2. Emergency medical services (911) should be contacted immediately if the HHA/PCA suspects a heart attack. The first minutes of a heart attack are the most crucial. Help during this time could save the person’s life.