If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home
Be very cautious with the claim “do this in 10 seconds and you can save your life.” There is no single trick, cough, movement, or breathing technique that can stop a heart attack.
The most important action is to call your local emergency medical service immediately if you have symptoms such as chest pressure/pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain/discomfort in the arm, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
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While waiting for help:
Stop what you’re doing and sit/rest in a comfortable position.
If you’re an alert adult with non-traumatic chest pain, current AHA/Red Cross guidance says you may chew and swallow 162–325 mg of aspirin, 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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If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, this is cardiac arrest: call emergency services and begin Hands-Only CPR—push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Use an AED if one is available.
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Don’t waste the first few minutes trying a viral “10-second cure.” Every minute matters.
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