Heart Attack

Posted by Jean Peikert, RN on October 20, 2019

Heart Attack! Once these words seemed almost synonymous with sudden death. Now we know how to save thousands of lives with different life saving measures.

A heart attack is injury to heart muscle due to a loss of blood supply to a part of the heart. An attack occurs when arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and blood become blocked. Blood clots form in narrowed arteries by the build-up of cholesterol and other fatty deposits. When cells are deprived of oxygen they are destroyed. That’s why the first hour is critical.

Be alert to symptoms!

  1. Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of your chest lasting several minutes.
  2. Pain spreading to your shoulders, neck or arms.
  3. Light headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Keep aspirin handy (chew the aspirin)! When taken during a heart attack it can decrease death rate by 25%.

 

About the Author

Jean Peikert, RN

I function as a part of the pastoral ministry team serving the congregation and the community by bringing an approach of wellness, wholeness and prevention.  

This includes blood pressure screening at church and in the community; visits to homes, hospitals and nursing homes; and the distribution of communion to people unable to attend church. Follow-up visits are also done after hospitalizations for people who need an advocate and for people with terminal illnesses.

Education is also a part of the ministry. CPR classes are periodically available, articles of health care issues in Faith communications and handouts are available in the Parish Nurse Office.

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