Signs of a Heart Attack and Heart Stroke in the Workplace: Do You Know the Warning Signs?

Heart Attack and Stroke in the Workplace Do You Know the Warning Signs.jpg

Every 7 minutes, someone in Canada dies from heart disease or stroke (Statistics Canada, 2011). If a co-worker was experiencing symptoms of a stroke or heart attack at a job site, would you be able to recognize the signs and take action? We don’t want you to panic every time you experience a chest pain, but in this post, you will learn what to look for when someone in the workplace is experiencing a stroke or a heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when sections of the heart muscle are blocked from receiving blood often by way of a clogged artery. Blood restriction causes a portion of the heart muscle to die.

Warning signs of a heart attack

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack could save someone’s life. Be aware of the following symptoms among your co-workers.

  • Chest pain and discomfort (uncomfortable chest pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain, burning or heaviness). Confusion or trouble understanding other people 

  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back) 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Sweating 

  • Nausea 

  • Light-headedness 

Heart attacks and high blood pressure 

The strain and damage from high blood pressure (or hypertension) can slowly narrow the coronary arteries serving the heart (from a buildup of plaque, fat, and cholesterol) interrupting blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing the chances of a heart attack.  

What should I do if someone is having a heart attack?

If someone is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, be sure to take the appropriate steps to mitigate the effects of blood loss to the brain.

  • Call 9-1-1 (or have someone call for you) 

  • Stop all activity, have the person sit or lay down 

  • If the sufferer takes nitroglycerin regularly, take your normal dosage 

  • With the advice of a 9-1-1 operator, chew and swallow two 80mg tables of ASA – Aspirin (do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead) 

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a blood clot preventing your brain from getting the blood it requires. The important thing is what you do if stroke symptoms happen; the sooner the treatment, the less chance of serious damage to the brain and less chance of permanent disability.

Warning signs of a stroke

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke could prevent serious damage. Be aware of the following signs among your co-workers.  

  • Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side 

  • Confusion or trouble understanding other people 

  • Trouble speaking 

  • Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes 

  • Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated 

  • Dizziness 

  • Severe headache that comes on for no known reason 

What should I do if someone is having a heart stroke?

If someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, be sure to take the appropriate steps to mitigate the effects of blood loss to the brain.  

  • Don't ignore stroke warning signs – even if you have just one warning sign or if symptoms are mild or go away. 

  • Don't wait! Every minute counts. 

  • Call 911 or emergency medical services (EMS) if you have one or more symptoms for more than a few minutes. An ambulance can get you to a hospital without delay. 

  • Check the time when symptoms begin. This is important information to share when you arrive at the hospital. 

Even if you’re not 100% sure if someone is experiencing a stroke, be sure to take action as soon as possible. It’s better to have a wasted trip to the hospital rather than risk permanent damage. Having some basic knowledge to recognize the symptoms of a stroke or heart attack could save your own or a co-worker’s life and prevent any long-term damage. Not ignoring the signs and making a quick response is your best bet to ensure a positive outcome in an emergency situation. 

Types of strokes 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three categories of strokes: 

Ischemic stroke 

“Most strokes (87%) are ischemic strokes.1 An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked.” 

Hemorrhagic stroke 

“A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them.” 

Transient ischemic attack (“mini-stroke”) 

“A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a ‘mini-stroke.’ It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time—usually no more than 5 minutes.” 

What is heart failure? 

Heart failure is essentially a chronic and progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen for the body’s needs and requirements. 

The Mayo Clinic says that the most common cause of heart failure (sometimes known as congestive heart failure) takes place when the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should, leading to a backup of blood and fluid in the lungs. 

The narrowed arteries that result in the high blood pressure mentioned above can result in a less efficient heart and eventually lead to heart failure. 

Warning signs of heart failure:

  • Chest pain 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Fatigue 

  • Irregular heartbeat 

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