In the event of a potential heart attack, it is crucial not to panic. Taking immediate action is vital:
Take a 325 mg aspirin tablet.
Use sublingual nitroglycerine (sorbitrate) for immediate pain relief, placing it beneath the tongue.
Seek prompt medical attention at a hospital equipped with interventional cardiology or cath lab facilities for immediate intervention, or where thrombolysis is available.
Diagnostic measures include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and assessing troponin levels in the blood to estimate myocardial damage and identify individuals at risk.
In some cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation may be necessary to restore heart function. Bystanders trained in CPR or using a defibrillator can provide assistance until emergency medical personnel arrive.
It is crucial to remember that the sooner emergency treatment begins, the better the chances of surviving a heart attack.
(By Dr. Shabarinath Samudrala, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad)
