If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home, Act Immediately
There is no 10-second trick that can reliably stop a heart attack. The most important thing you can do is recognize the symptoms and get emergency medical help as quickly as possible.
1. Call Emergency Services Immediately
If you develop symptoms suggesting a heart attack, 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 on the way to the hospital.
2. Stop What You’re Doing and Sit or Rest
Stop physical activity and sit somewhere safe, preferably with your upper body supported.
Try to remain calm and avoid exertion while waiting for help.
3. Recognize the Warning Signs
Possible heart-attack symptoms include:
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Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest
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Pain or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweating
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sudden weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Symptoms can be different in different people, and some people—particularly women and older adults—may have less typical symptoms.
4. What About Aspirin?
For some adults with suspected heart attack, chewing an aspirin may be appropriate while waiting for emergency help, but it isn’t suitable for everyone.
Don’t take aspirin if you’re allergic to it, have been advised not to take it, have certain bleeding problems, or if the situation might actually be something else, such as a stroke. If you’re unsure, follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
Do not delay calling emergency services in order to find aspirin.
5. Don’t Drive Yourself
A heart attack can cause dangerous heart rhythms or sudden deterioration. If an ambulance is available, it’s safer to use emergency medical transport.
6. If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
If someone collapses, doesn’t respond, and isn’t breathing normally:
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Call emergency services or have someone call.
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Begin CPR immediately.
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Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available and follow its instructions.
What Not to Do
Don’t rely on coughing, drinking water, walking around, taking random medications, or other internet “10-second cures.” None of these reliably stops a heart attack.
Bottom Line
If you think you’re having a heart attack, the critical action isn’t a secret maneuver—it’s getting emergency medical help immediately. Every minute can matter because restoring blood flow quickly can limit heart-muscle damage.
