Immediate steps to be taken in case of a suspected heart attack. Dial 999 – the call handler will send help and determine if the symptoms you describe could be a heart attack. It is important to answer all the questions asked and follow all instructions provided. Make sure the person suspected to be suffering from a heart attack is seated or lying down. If you have aspirin and know that the person suffering from a suspected heart attack is not allergic to it, try to get him/her to take some. There are some defibrillators with operating instructions located in public places around Doha. Check to see if there is one nearby.

As part of its efforts to raise public awareness and promote a better understanding of heart-related diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, (HMC) is providing the public with practical information on what to do in the event of a heart attack and save life.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the biggest causes of death in Qatar and the number one cause of death globally.

According to cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists, the signs of a heart attack may vary, nevertheless the most common is a sharp pain or tightness and squeezing in the chest. Other symptoms include pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulder, back, jaw or neck and nausea, breathlessness and/or dizziness.

Dr. Omar al-Tamimi, director of Heart Hospital’s Emergency Department stressed how serious a heart attack can be. He said: “A heart attack is the most severe form of acute coronary syndrome. It can be fatal but treatment has improved dramatically over the years. Early treatment for a heart attack can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. In the event of a heart attack, people can save lives by acting fast and taking the appropriate action.”

Ali Darwish, assistant executive director, Emergency Ambulance Services, emphasised the importance of taking prompt and appropriate steps in the event of a heart attack, adding: “If you think you may be having a heart attack or come across someone who you think may be having a heart attack, it is vital to stay calm."

To provide support for heart attack patients, HMC’s Ambulance Service in conjunction with Heart Hospital launched a telemetry service in 2013 which is currently fitted in all ambulances in the fleet. The service allows paramedic crews responding to an emergency involving a suspected heart attack, to record and transmit the patient's electrocardiograph (ECG) from the scene to the clinical team leader in the National Control Centre. It also enables staff to prepare the appropriate treatment for the patient before their arrival.

HMC’s Heart Health Campaign was launched earlier this month and is part of HMC’s commitment to provide the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to each and every patient.