heart attack

The person may have persistent, vice-like chest pain, which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.

The person may have persistent, vice-like chest pain, which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.

This pain is caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the heart muscle, and the pain will not ease with rest.

Make sure they are in a position that is comfortable for them. This will ease the strain on the heart. Sitting them on the floor means they are less likely to hurt themselves if they collapse.

Give them constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. The blockage means the heart can’t work effectively, so a heart attack can be fatal.

The severity of the heart attack depends on the size of the area of heart muscle affected.

A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops completely, causing the person to collapse, lose consciousness and stop breathing. It may be caused by a heart attack.

Angina is a tight feeling in the chest. It occurs when the arteries narrow, restricting the blood supply to the heart.

Angina is a tight feeling in the chest. It occurs when the arteries narrow, restricting the blood supply to the heart.

Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath but, unlike a heart attack, symptoms ease with rest and taking prescribed medication. Most people who have angina manage it with medication that comes in tablet or spray form.

If, during an angina attack, the pain doesn’t subside after the second dose of their medication, suspect a heart attack and call 999 immediately.

You can offer the person an aspirin tablet to chew slowly, as this will help thin their blood. They should not take more than 300mg in one dose.