How to Deal with a Heart Attack

Artificial respiration and CPR should be given by a trained first aider. ASTS provide comprehensive one day First Aid Training Courses that cover the essential actions needed in dealing with an unconscious casualty and incorporates CPR and artificial respiration.

It is important we all understand the importance of First Aid Training and with heart attacks being one of the most life threatening heart conditions in the UK it is also vital we understand the symptoms and how to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

A heart attack usually occurs when a part of the heart muscle stops working due to lack of oxygen. Arteries take oxygen to the heart with the help of blood and a heart attack often occurs when these arteries fail to feed the heart muscles. Blockage of the arteries is mainly due the accumulation of fatty deposits which leads to the wall of the artery becoming hardened

There are ways in which you can change your lifestyle to help prevent and control heart attacks. A change of diet to avoid foods with saturated fats, like butter, pastry, cakes and fried food will help to keep your cholesterol at a low level. Avoid adding salt to your food and a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel are an essential way to a better and healthier diet. Use olive oil and unsaturated spreads and avoid packaged snack food and products loaded with sugar. You do not have to omit every naughty thing from your diet, just take the luxuries in moderation and concentrate on fresh, healthy fruit, vegetables, white meat and fish – you will not only feel better, your body will love you for it.

Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease, a single puff of a cigarette contains more than 4,000 chemicals which can damage your heart and blood vessels. Healthy hearts and smoking do not mix so by breaking the habit your arteries will have a fighting chance.

Watch your weight. If you are overweight you are at risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes which all put pressure on your heart so by reducing your weight and keeping within the recommended limit you will reduce your chances of getting a heart attack.

Maintaining a good exercise regime will keep you and your heart healthy. By just taking a walk instead of the car for short distances, walking up stairs instead of taking the lift, or walking the children to school instead of using transport will not only give your body and heart a boost, your family will benefit also.

Keeping stress to a minimum will help keep blood pressure down. So try to relax and de-stress wherever possible, you will feel better, look better and probably be better company!

Dental hygiene can play a part in coronary disease, studies have shown that various gum diseases can be responsible for increasing your chance of getting artery disease so periodic visits to your dentist are beneficial for you heart as well as your teeth.

Being healthy is a lifestyle choice and once you have made that choice you will be on the road to a healthier you and a healthier heart.

Posted by admin on Tuesday, March 1st, 2011