heart attack patient report

What should I know about a heart attack?

A heart attack is a frightening experience. If you have experienced a heart attack, or are close with someone who has, you should know this: You are not alone. In fact, tens of thousands of people survive heart attacks and go on to lead productive, enjoyable lives. Learn more about heart attacks

What are the tests for heart attack?

Heart attack testing: FAQ. A: Non-invasive cardiac tests measure your heart’s activity through external imaging and electrocardiography. Invasive tests include drawing and testing samples of your blood, and inserting and threading a thin hollow tube called a catheter into a blood vessel to get an inside view.

What is a heart attack and who is at risk?

What Is a Heart Attack and Who Is At Risk? heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart suddenly becomes blocked and the heart can’t get oxygen. If not treated quickly, the heart muscle fails to pump and begins to die.

How is a heart attack treated in a hospital?

At the hospital, health care professionals can run tests to find out if a heart attack is happening and decide the best treatment. In some cases, a heart attack requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or an electrical shock (defibrillation) to the heart to get the heart pumping again.

How do I check my heart attack report?

Electrocardiogram (ECG). This first test done to diagnose a heart attack records electrical signals as they travel through your heart. Sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to your chest and limbs. Signals are recorded as waves displayed on a monitor or printed on paper.

How do you describe a heart attack to a patient?

Someone having a heart attack may have any or all of the following: Chest pain, pressure or tightness, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the center of the chest. Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or occasionally upper abdomen. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal ...

How do you document a heart attack?

Essential documentation for chest pain includes the date and time the pain started. Ask your patient about his pain, and record the responses using his own words, when appropriate. Also include the following: what he was doing when the pain started.

What should a heart attack patient do?

Become more active: One of the most important keys to good heart health is to exercise. Some people are afraid to exercise after a heart attack. But that's exactly what you need to do to strengthen your heart and lower your chance of having future heart attacks and heart disease.

What is a normal pulse rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute.

What happens after heart attack?

The lack of blood flow can occur because of many different factors but is usually related to a blockage in one or more of your heart's arteries. Without blood flow, the affected heart muscle will begin to die. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, a heart attack can cause permanent heart damage and death.

What is a heart attack PDF?

If a plaque in a heart artery ruptures (breaks open), a blood clot forms. The clot further blocks the blood flow. When it completely stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle, a heart attack occurs. Then the section of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.

When documenting a patient's description of his or her?

When documenting a patient's description of his or her chest pain or discomfort, the EMT should: Use the patient's own words. You and your EMT partner are the first to arrive at the scene of an unresponsive 70-year-old man.

What questions should I ask a patient with chest pain?

Questions aimed at identifying the patient with possible ACS:Where is your pain? (location)Does it go anywhere else? (radiation)When did it start? (onset)How long has it lasted? (duration)How bad is it? (severity on pain scale)Does anything make it better or worse?Have you taken any medication to relieve it?More items...

What heart patients should not do?

Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also adds extra calories, which may cause weight gain. Both of those raise your risk of heart disease. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and women should not have more than one.

How do you take care of heart patients?

Here are a few practical steps you can follow.Eat a heart healthy diet. ... If overweight, lose weight. ... Increase regular physical activity to at least 2.5 hours per week. ... Don't use tobacco. ... Avoid use of alcohol. ... Have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly.

What is recovery time after heart attack?

Most patients stay in the hospital for about a week or less. Upon returning home, you will need rest and relaxation. A return to all of your normal activities, including work, may take a few weeks to 2 or 3 months, depending on your condition. A full recovery is defined as a return to normal activities.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is a frightening experience. If you have experienced a heart attack, or are close with someone who has, you should know this: You are not alone. In fact, tens of thousands of people survive heart attacks and go on to lead productive, enjoyable lives.

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