A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart becomes blocked, and this blockage can damage the heart muscle quickly. Recognizing a heart attack and responding quickly may make a meaningful difference in the outcome for the person affected. Knowing the right steps ahead of time helps you act promptly when needed. Here is more information about what to do in case of a heart attack:
Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms
Chest discomfort is one of the most common signs of a heart attack, and it may feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the center of the chest. The sensation can last for several minutes, or it sometimes fades and then returns. Some describe it as a heavy weight rather than sharp pain. Other symptoms can include:
- Radiating discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath, which may accompany chest discomfort
- Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly in women, older adults, and people with diabetes
It is worth noting that symptoms do not look the same for everyone. Because the presentation can vary so widely, any unusual combination of these symptoms should be taken seriously.
Call 911
Calling 911 should be your first action if you suspect a heart attack. Emergency responders can begin care during the trip to the hospital, and they will reach the appropriate facility faster than a private vehicle in most situations. Do not wait to see if symptoms will pass on their own. Waiting can waste valuable time.
Stay on the line with the dispatcher and follow their instructions. Provide your location clearly, describe the symptoms, and note when they started. The dispatcher may guide you through more steps while help is on the way.
Take Aspirin
Aspirin is sometimes recommended during a suspected heart attack because it can help keep blood from clotting further. If a dispatcher or medical professional advises it, chewing a standard aspirin may be part of the response. Chewing rather than swallowing whole allows the medication to work more quickly. Do not take aspirin if you are allergic to it or if a medical professional has told you to avoid it. Confirm with the 911 dispatcher before taking any medication, and share information about allergies or other medicines the affected person uses.
Prepare for Help
Have the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position, loosen tight clothing, and keep activity to a minimum. Reducing physical exertion lowers the demand placed on the heart. Prepare for the arrival of emergency responders while you wait:
- Unlock the door.
- Clear any obstacles from the path to allow emergency responders easy access.
- Turn on outdoor lights if it is dark outside.
- Gather a list of the person’s current medications and known allergies to share quickly with responders upon arrival.
Stay with the person and continue to monitor their condition. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, the dispatcher can walk you through what to do until help arrives.
Learn More About Heart Health
A heart attack is a serious event that calls for a fast and organized response. The core steps are straightforward: recognize the signs, call 911, take aspirin if a professional advises it, and stay calm while preparing for help to arrive. Nitroglycerin is another medication that may come into play during these moments. If the person has an existing prescription for nitroglycerin, they can take it as directed by their healthcare provider while waiting for help. To learn more about heart health, consult a healthcare provider near you.
