It is originated by the obstruction of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. To then unblock the arteries, it is required to perform a cardiac catheterisation.

The time taken for action is critical. The longer it takes, the more the artery will be clogged, the more the heart will be affected. If you suspect a heart attack, you should call 112 immediately.

By calling 112, you are reducing the time interval until the start of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, speeding up the transportation to the most suitable hospital unit.

This program in Portugal is called Via Verde Coronária, which stands for Coronary Green Way and has been implemented in Algarve for over 20 years.

What symptoms can you experience that may lead you to suspect a heart attack?

  • Tight chest pain with a crushing sensation that does not ease when the victim rests;
  • Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw and/or back;
  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Pale, greyish, sticky and/or sweaty skin;
  • Abdominal discomfort, nausea and/or vomiting.

If you or someone close to you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack, you should follow the below procedure:

  • Make the victim comfortable: reassure the victim, sit them in a comfortable position and prevent them from making any effort;
  • Do not waste time and call 112 immediately: collaborate with the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM) Operator by informing them of the signs and symptoms the victim is experiencing;
  • Explain what is happening and follow the instructions given to you;
  • Monitor the victim: observe their respiratory activity and pulse while you wait for the emergency teams. If there are any changes, you should report them to the teams;
  • You should not go to the hospital by yourself: the nearest hospital may not be the most suitable/equipped;
  • Never wait for the pain to disappear before calling 112: time is critical in these situations!

Once the INEM Team is activated, they will go to the location and perform an electrocardiogram, which will immediately be able to diagnose if there is a presence of an acute myocardial infarction. Afterwards, they will take you directly to the Cardiology Department at ULS Algarve in Faro. During the transport, you will followed by an emergency team that can save you in the event of potentially fatal arrhythmias. Once at the hospital, you will be taken to a room to perform cardiac catheterisation and unblock the artery related to the infarction.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

This Cardiology Department is part of a public hospital with extensive experience in the treatment of myocardial infarction, receiving more than 500 patients with this disease per year.

The catheterisation laboratory where cardiac procedures are performed has been in operation since 2003, operating 24 hours a day all year long so that they are always ready to treat patients with acute myocardial infarction.

After a heart attack, you will be hospitalised for an average of 3 to 4 days, initially in the coronary intensive care unit and then in the cardiology ward. During this period, your health status will continue to be monitored while provided full instructions on what to do after you leave the unit.

Furthermore, you may become part of a cardiac rehabilitation program that facilitates your return to active life.

In short, do not hesitate to call 112 if you suspect you have a heart attack, as in Algarve we have all the resources necessary to help and save lives.

For more information please contact Algarve Biomedical Center.