By Bamisaye Deborah
‘Self-care is not selfish,’ especially when it has to do with your heart. You know why? Because: ‘It’s the heart that hurt most when things go wrong and fall apart.
Recall that heart attack has the tendency to mimic other health conditions like Acid reflux, Anxiety and panic attacks, Hyperventilation syndrome, Anemia, etc; as explored in the last edition. This month, we will be considering a few more things before drawing a curtain on the topic. Let’s begin by considering steps to take when someone shows signs of heart attack but before then, you may wish to recite the following as it captures the suddenness and life-saving efforts that helps you prevent an attack. They are Poem excerpts:
“…It seems that everybody drawing breath
Is capable of taking on this debt
Yet we know there are things that makes it worse…
Your age, your gender, family history,
These things, you can’t control…
But for the things you can control, at least
Take careful note and do…
…Environment has made it easier
To actually ‘choose’ whatever is healthier.
And yet, despite the work that ought to be done,
Your health, your life…
Through choice, awareness, knowing what to do,
You’ll give yourself a fighting chance, it’s true:
A diet low in sodium and fat,
To lessen any chance of heart attack.
With fruits and fiber, vegetables and grain,
And exercise to keep your body sane.
And if you need help along the way,
Connect with local programs here to stay:
In churches, schools and healthcare centers,
To help you up…”
The above is just to enhance your understanding on the topic and the importance of taking steps to both prevent, protect or act in case you see anyone having heart attack.
Now, if someone shows signs of a heart attack, take these steps immediately:
1. Call emergency services right away. Do not try to drive the person to the hospital yourself unless there is no other option.
2. Have the person sit down, rest, and stay calm. Loosen any tight clothing.
3. If they are conscious and not allergic, give them an aspirin to chew slowly, as aspirin helps prevent blood clotting that can worsen a heart attack.
4. If the person has prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain, assist them in taking it as directed.
5. If the person becomes unconscious, not breathing, or has no pulse, begin CPR immediately. If untrained, perform hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest (100 to 120 compressions per minute).
6. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and you are trained, use it as soon as possible.
7. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
Acting quickly and calmly can save the person’s life and minimize heart damage.
Medical personnel have got these to say:
Dr. Oladipupo Fasan, Head of Cardiology at National Hospital Abuja, notes that cardiovascular diseases lead to complications like stroke and kidney disease, emphasizing prevention through manageable habits. Dr. Yemi Johnson, a US-trained cardiologist in Lagos, stresses the need for more cardiac facilities amid increasing cases linked to stress, poor diet, and undiagnosed risks.
– Prof. Odili and the Nigerian Cardiac Society advocate strengthening healthcare access and awareness to manage hypertension’s role in heart attacks.
– Dr. Fasan and Dr. Johnson recommend stress reduction via laughter, sleep, and diet changes alongside prompt medical response.
The heart is the engine of the body; let’s take care, preventing it from possible attack.
Don’t lose Your Heart!
Lose Cigarettes!
Don’t lose Self-care!
Lose Junk Foods!
Make Every Second Count!
Loosen up, Keep Faith and by all means – Keep Moving!
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