Chest Pain

Chest pain, that starts on any given day of the week, should resolve quite quickly, like within 5 minutes. If it doesn’t you may have a serious problem that needs to be rectified by calling an ambulance or coming straight to NIHRACS. Call triple zero (000), it could save your life.

The below symptoms are a few of the things to look out for.

• Chest pain that is severe, getting worse or has lasted longer than 10 minutes.
• Chest pain that feels heavy, crushing or tight.
• Chest pain experienced with breathlessness, nausea, dizziness or a cold sweat.
• Chest pain and pain in your jaw or down your left arm.
• A racing heartbeat, and the feeling that something is really quite wrong.

What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?

stop all activities and rest, loosen any tight clothing, such as collar buttons or ties

don't have anything to eat or drink

If you have been prescribed angina medicine, sit or lie down and take a dose. If this doesn't relieve your symptoms in 5 minutes, try taking another dose.

Chew 300mg aspirin straight away, unless you're allergic or your doctor has told you not to. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 12 years.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

There are different warning signs of a heart attack, and they are not always sudden or severe.

Heart attack warning signs can include:

• discomfort or pain in the centre of your chest — a heaviness, tightness or pressure, like something heavy sitting on your chest, or a belt tightening around your chest or a bad case of indigestion.
• discomfort in your arms, shoulder, neck, jaw or back.
• a choking feeling in your throat, your arms feeling heavy or useless
• feeling short of breath, feeling dizzy or light-headed
• nausea or vomiting, having a cold sweat

People having a heart attack may have just one of these symptoms, or a combination of several. The symptoms can come on suddenly or develop over a few minutes and get worse. Symptoms usually last for at least 10 minutes.Women and men can experience the signs and symptoms of a heart attack differently.

The most important thing to do is call for help, Call triple zero (000), like most things in medicine, early intervention is the key. Get on the phone, get advice, get yourself sorted. Delaying care will only prolong treatment (or worse, have a dramatic consequence) and could result unrecoverable damage to your heart. Remember, it hurts for a reason.

For more information visit - https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/

Our next skill drill will be 28 October, in the shed on Grassy Road, 18:30 to 20:00. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au or phone James on 51802.