Awareness
A heart attack can happen anywhere, including while driving. Recognise the warning signs and know what to do.
“Heart attacks are often thought of as sudden, dramatic events, but the symptoms can be surprisingly subtle,” says Victor Phooko, Branch Manager at ER24 Upington. “Many people dismiss early warning signs as indigestion, muscle strain, or simple fatigue, delaying the emergency treatment that could limit damage to their heart.”
Know the warning signs
Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences the classic crushing chest pain. Be alert to any of these symptoms, especially if they occur suddenly or together:
- An ache or pressure in the centre of your chest, sometimes mistaken for indigestion or trapped gas
- Pain or discomfort that spreads to your arm, shoulder, neck or jaw
- Pain in the upper back, throat, stomach, or even teeth
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Unusual fatigue that lasts for several days or comes on suddenly
- Anxiety or an unexplained sense that something is seriously wrong.
Even if symptoms seem mild, never ignore them. When it comes to a heart attack, every minute counts.
What to do if you're driving
“Experiencing heart attack symptoms while driving can be frightening, but staying as calm as possible is essential,” says Phooko. “If you’re behind the wheel, ease off the accelerator and indicate where possible. Look for a safe place to pull over, away from moving traffic, and bring the vehicle to a stop. Turn on your hazard lights.”
If you have a passenger, tell them immediately that you think you may be having a heart attack. “If it’s safe to do so, they should take over driving or call emergency medical services straight away.”
Panic places additional strain on the heart, so try to remain calm while waiting for help.
Get medical help immediately
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is delaying treatment or driving to their family doctor first,” says Phooko. “If you’re close to a hospital with an emergency centre and someone else can drive you safely, go there immediately. Otherwise, call ER24 on 084 124 for real help, real fast. Tell the Emergency Resource Officer (operator) exactly where you’re parked, describe your vehicle and keep your phone nearby if possible.”
The sooner you reach a hospital, the better the chances of limiting heart damage and improving recovery.
Can you treat a heart attack yourself?
There’s very little you can do to stop a heart attack once it has started, but there is one important first-aid measure you can take:
“If you’re not allergic to aspirin, haven’t been advised against taking it by a healthcare professional, and are experiencing symptoms of a suspected heart attack, chewing and swallowing 300mg of aspirin (1 tablet) may help reduce blood clotting while waiting for emergency care,” says Phooko.
Prevention starts before you get behind the wheel
Managing your overall heart health can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack while driving.
“Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, avoid smoking, stay physically active, and attend regular health check-ups,” says Phooko. "Stress can also contribute to cardiovascular disease, so if you become overwhelmed by traffic or road rage, pull over somewhere safe, take a few slow, deep breaths and allow yourself time to calm down before continuing your journey.”
Leaving a little earlier for your destination can also help reduce stress on the road.