HEART ATTACK

The common symptoms of a heart attack are extreme of breath, a feeling of suffocation, and pain in the chest that sometimes spreads down into the arms or up into the neck or head. The person may become very pale; he may feel faint and dizzy, and perhaps lose consciousness. Have him lie down, preferably in a position halfway between lying and sitting. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar or belt, and cover him lightly to prevent chills. Encourage him to breathe slowly and deeply. Send for a doctor or an ambulance. Talk reassuringly to the individual and have all excited and upset people go out of the room: any anxiety will only serve to aggravate the victim's condition. Do not give the person anything to drink or any medication. You should not place a suspected heart-attack victim in the shock position, since the pressure of the abdominal organs against the diaphragm may further with his breathing.