If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home, Act Immediately
A heart attack is a medical emergency. It happens when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked, and delaying treatment can allow heart muscle to become permanently damaged.
1. Call Emergency Medical Services Immediately
If you develop possible heart attack symptoms, call your local emergency medical service right away. Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms disappear.
If possible, use an ambulance rather than driving yourself. Emergency medical teams can begin assessment and treatment while taking you to the hospital.
2. Stop What You Are Doing and Sit Down
Stop physical activity and sit somewhere safe with your upper body comfortably supported. Try to remain as calm as possible while waiting for help.
If you’re alone, unlock the door if you can do so safely and keep your phone nearby.
3. Recognize the Warning Signs
Possible heart attack symptoms include:
- Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest
- Discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden unusual weakness or lightheadedness
Symptoms aren’t always dramatic, and some people may have little or no chest pain.
4. Don’t Try a Viral “Cough CPR” Trick
You may see claims that repeatedly coughing in a particular way can stop a heart attack. This is not a recommended treatment for a heart attack outside a monitored medical setting.
Do not delay emergency care to try an internet remedy.
5. What About Aspirin?
For some adults with suspected heart attack, emergency professionals may advise chewing aspirin if it is safe for that person. However, aspirin is not appropriate for everyone—for example, people with certain allergies, bleeding problems, or other contraindications may be advised not to take it.
The safest approach is to follow the instructions of your local emergency medical service or healthcare professional.
If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
If someone suspected of having a heart attack becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR if you know how. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available and follow its voice instructions.
Bottom Line
There is no 10-second maneuver that can reliably save someone from a heart attack. The most important action is to recognize possible symptoms and get emergency medical help immediately.
If you’re experiencing possible heart attack symptoms right now, stop reading and contact your local emergency medical service immediately.
