What should you monitor in a heart attack victim?

Monitoring the ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) is crucial in a heart attack victim. This approach ensures that the individual receives comprehensive care by evaluating the fundamental life-supporting systems.

The airway must be clear to allow for effective breathing, which is vital as the heart's function directly impacts oxygenation and perfusion in the body. Breathing needs to be assessed to ensure that the person is ventilating adequately, and circulation must be monitored to check for heart function and blood flow.

These three components are essential for survival and prompt intervention. Given that a heart attack can lead to life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, prioritizing monitoring of the ABCs allows responders to address the most immediate threats to life, rather than focusing narrowly on specific indicators like blood pressure or heart rate alone. It provides a holistic view of the victim's condition, enabling the rescuer to act effectively until emergency medical services arrive.