When Does Heart Disease Become an Emergency?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, with 1 out of every 4 adults dying from complications. As a broad term, heart disease refers to the multitude of conditions that can affect the heart, ranging from plaque buildup to congestive heart failure to issues pumping blood.

When treated with regular doctor’s appointments, exercise, and medication, heart disease is manageable. Even coronary heart disease, which is responsible for the deaths of 375,000 individuals annually, can be managed. However, this doesn’t mean that emergencies don’t occur.

When disaster strikes, people might not even realize they are experiencing an emergency. After all, issues like a heart attack don’t happen like they do in the movies. It’s therefore important for an individual to recognize the signs of an emergency and seek help from a 24 hour emergency room near them.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, is when one of the arteries that supplies the heart with blood becomes suddenly blocked. This blockage permanently damages the muscle and disrupts the function of the heart, leading to pain, damage, and possible death if not treated. Muscle damage and death is caused by the heart no longer receiving the oxygen in the blood, leading to tissue death.

A heart attack is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. The artery needs to be unblocked to allow the blood to flow properly. Qualified doctors and nurses will be able to treat the condition through a variety of methods, including medication, cardiac rehabilitation, bypass surgery, and the implementation of stents.

Symptoms

No two heart attacks are the same, and men and women do not experience the same symptoms. Men are more likely to experience chest tightness and pain, while women suffer from increased anxiety and tingling or numbness in the limbs. Besides these differences, there are several similar symptoms an individual might experience.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, seek treatment immediately:

  • Pressure or tightness in the chest
  • A squeezing, pain sensation in the chest around the heart
  • An aching sensation that starts in the chest and spreads to the neck and arms
  • Nausea, heartburn, or indigestion
  • Cold sweat
  • Fatigue
  • Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Increased anxiety
  • Fatigue and sudden muscular weakness

While some heart attacks strike suddenly – a la Homer Simpson and the movies – many can build up over days, weeks, or even months. If something seems off, look into cardiology in New Braunfels, TX and go to an emergency room immediately.

What to Do During a Suspected Heart Attack

Don’t spend your time fretting and worrying. It’s important to act immediately to reduce the damage of a heart attack and increase one’s chances of recovery. Do the following steps:

  • Get emergency medical help by going to a 24 hour ER. If it’s not safe for you to drive, have someone transport you or call emergency services.
  • Take aspirin if it doesn’t interact with current medications or allergies
  • Take nitroglycerin if it has been prescribed by a doctor

If someone near you is having a heart attack, get in touch with emergency medical services immediately. If the individual can move, transport them to the nearest vehicle and drive them to an ER in your region. If they are unconscious, check to make sure they have a pulse and are breathing. If they are not, begin chest compressions and perform CPR if properly trained. Call emergency services straight away and explain the situation.

Where to Receive Treatment

Individuals seeking a 24 hour emergency room in New Braunfels or in the zip code 78130 region can go straight to Riverside ER. The ER possesses skilled nurses and physicians who can make patients comfortable and immediately begin treatment for heart attacks and heart disease.

People in other regions should follow this general idea and also look for a 24 hour emergency rooms. These hospitals are always open and specialize in the treatment of conditions that require immediate attention to reduce the changes of serious damage or death.

Don’t wait until a heart attack becomes so severe that you can no longer receive treatment. Head to the ER right away to receive the help you and your loved ones need.