🚨 If you think you’re having a heart attack, act immediately
The claim that you have “only seconds” is exaggerated, but every minute matters. The sooner blood flow is restored, the more heart muscle can potentially be saved.
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Call your local emergency number immediately. Don’t wait to see if the pain goes away, even if you’re unsure it’s a heart attack.
Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position. Stay as calm as possible while waiting for help.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital. EMS can begin treatment on the way and is generally the safest and fastest option.
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Aspirin: If you’re an alert adult with suspected non-traumatic heart-attack-type chest pain, current AHA guidance says you may chew and swallow 162–325 mg of aspirin while waiting for EMS unless you’re allergic to aspirin or have been told by a healthcare professional not to take it. If you’re uncertain whether aspirin is appropriate, it’s reasonable to wait for EMS.
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cpr.heart.org
If you have prescribed nitroglycerin/GTN for angina, use it as directed.
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nhs.uk
If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, someone should start CPR and use an AED if available.
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professional.heart.org
Warning symptoms
A heart attack can cause pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest, but symptoms can also include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in the arm, back, neck, jaw or upper abdomen.
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professional.heart.org
Don’t try to diagnose it yourself. Severe indigestion, muscle pain and other conditions can feel similar. When a heart attack is possible, call emergency services first.
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