Heart Disease
Heart Attack | Stroke | Implications for Sailing
Generally, there is no reason why people with heart disease should not participate in sailing. In fact, being physically fit is thought to improve one's resistance to heart disease. The issue at hand is the work intensity and the ability of the individual to copy with the physical stress.
Sudden and complete oxygen shortage to the heart muscle causes tissue damage and if it is not relieved some of the heart muscle dies. This is a heart attack.
The warning signs:
- Squeezing, discomfort or pain in the centre of the chest or behind the breast-bone lasting more than 10-15 minutes.
- Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.
These may be accompanied by:
- Sweating, shortness of breath
- A sick feeling in the stomach.
Far too many Australians die each year because they failed to recognise a heard attack. Modern medical treatments for heart attack can save lives and prevent serious heart damage.
Don't waste vital moments!
- Dial 000
- Ask for ambulance service
- Report a possible heart attack
- In an ambulance is not rapidly available, ask somebody to drive sailor to hospital.
Sudden pain or discomfort in the chest can be frightening. It is natural for all involved to "hope" it is something else - like indigestion, or a pulled chest muscle - and delay taking action. It is heart attack, every minute counts in getting to hospital.
Stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to the brain. Symptoms depend on the part of the brain affected. They can include headache, unconsciousness, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, impaired speech and partial loss of sight. Onset of symptoms is usually sudden.
- Sailor will become fatigued readily and requires frequent rest periods.
- If a person with a heart condition collapses, get medical help immediately.
