Dial, Don’t Drive
When you’re having a heart attack, time is of the essence. Getting the medical help you need right away could help save your life.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart becomes blocked, and the heart muscle isn’t getting the oxygen it needs. When the heart muscle isn’t getting oxygen, the affected part begins to die, so it is critical to get help quickly to help lessen the damage. Time is muscle. The longer the blood supply is blocked, the worse the damage to the heart can be, ranging from mild to severe, and may result in death.
The main 3 symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Chest discomfort is the most common symptom, and could feel like pressure, pain, fullness, burning, or discomfort.
However, some people who have a heart attack may experience one, some, all, or none of the above common symptoms. There are some less common symptoms that occur during a heart attack. Upper body discomfort (pain in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, or arms), nausea, lightheadedness, or dizziness can all be signs. It can also feel like indigestion, heartburn, or a bad stomachache. Because the symptoms can vary, it’s vital that you seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these.
Most of us usually recognize a heart attack as the classic clutching at the chest and falling over. However, women tend to experience different symptoms, such as shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, and nausea. All symptoms are serious and can be life-threatening, regardless of if they fit the typical heart attack or not.
If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. An ambulance is more than a taxi to the hospital - it’s a mobile team of dedicated life-saving professionals. You can get a faster diagnosis by dialing 911. Stop all activity. Lie or sit down - settle into the position that’s most comfortable for you. Chew and swallow ASA (acetylsalicylic acid, the medicinal ingredient in ASPIRIN®) if you’re not allergic or intolerant to it. You can take one 325mg tablet, or two 81mg tablets. Do not take any other pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.) besides the ASA. Chewing the ASA tablets will allow it to enter your bloodstream and do its job quickly. Rest and wait for help to arrive. If you’re able, have a family member or someone close by get your ID/wallet handy along with a list of any medications you’re currently taking, and inform emergency services that you have taken the ASA.
The longer you wait to call 911, the more damage your heart muscle could suffer. The quicker you make that call, the higher your chances are of survival and minimal damage. This is why we say that time is muscle. Seconds matter. Quick recognition and fast action can help prevent damage and may save you or your loved one’s life.
The common reactions to a heart attack can be denial, dismissal, or disbelief. People will say that it’s not that serious, it’s probably nothing, they don’t want to take up emergency resources, or it will pass. In Manitoba, about half of the people experiencing a heart attack called 911 in 2021. Those who drive themselves to emergency or urgent care have a wait of about two hours between being seen by medical staff and unblocking the affected heart artery. By dialing 911, this treatment time decreases to 68 minutes, on average. Don’t deny yourself necessary treatment. Know the symptoms, dial 911, and you may help save a life - maybe your own.
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The Manitoba ACS Network is a collection of healthcare professionals who are on a mission to improve the outcomes of those living with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Through their Dial Don’t Drive social media campaign, they aim to educate the public on the importance of dialing 911 for heart attack symptoms. To learn more about their work and all things heart health, follow them on social media channels @mbacsnetwork or visit their website, www.mbacsnetwork.ca
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Statistics on file with The Manitoba ACS Network (2022)
