In Queensland, two-thirds of the population are overweight or obese and heart disease is the leading cause of death. If you are someone who has a history of heart problems or risk factors associated with heart attacks, it is important to know the signs. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of a heart attack, as well as what you can do to prevent one from happening.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. This can happen if a blood clot forms in one of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply blood to the heart. If the blockage is not treated quickly, it can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

What are some of the risk factors for having a heart attack in the workplace?

• Being male
• Having a family history of heart disease
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Stressful job conditions and long hours

Heart Attacks in the Construction Industry:

Construction workers have higher than average rates of obesity levels, smoking and alcohol consumption, musculoskeletal injury, and psychological distress. This means that construction workers are more likely to suffer from heart disease and heart attacks.

How can I prevent a heart attack in the workplace?

• Eating a healthy diet:  This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
• Exercising: This can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce stress.
• Quitting smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
• Managing stress: Stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors like smoking and overeating, so it’s important to find ways to manage it. This may include exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling.
• Knowing your numbers: Get regular checkups and know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. This way, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your heart healthy.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack in the workplace, call 000 immediately. 

If you have one or more risk factors for heart disease, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent heart attacks. Some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed but there are many things you can do to lower your risk.

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.