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Knowing what to do if someone is having a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. Every minute matters when it comes to limiting damage to the heart, with permanent damage potentially occurring if blood flow is restricted for just 30 minutes.
Research shows an alarming increase in heart attacks for people under the age of 40. So when faced with this emergency, quick and appropriate heart attack first aid can dramatically improve outcomes. In fact, survival and recovery rates are extremely high with medical treatment that quickly restores blood flow to the affected area.
Recognizing a Heart Attack Quickly
Heart attack symptoms can vary greatly among individuals—from severe, obvious signs to subtle, easily dismissed sensations. Recognizing these symptoms quickly is crucial for survival.
The most common heart attack symptom is chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. This discomfort may come and go. Furthermore, pain often spreads beyond the chest to the arms (especially left), jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
Additional warning signs include:
Notably, women may experience different symptoms. Although women still commonly feel chest pain, they're more likely to have less recognized symptoms such as extreme fatigue, upper back pressure, nausea, or jaw pain. Women are also more likely to ignore these symptoms, contributing to why they are more likely than men to die from heart attacks.
Some people experience warning signs hours, days, or even weeks before a major heart attack. Knowing and paying attention to the early warning signs mentioned above can ensure that a major cardiac event can be minimized or event prevented.
Unlike cardiac arrest (where the heart stops beating), during a heart attack, the heart typically continues beating, but with restricted blood flow due to blockage in coronary arteries.
What to Do Immediately: Step-by-Step First Aid
Quick action during a heart attack emergency saves lives. Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number—never drive yourself or the affected person to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.
While waiting for emergency services, have the person sit down and rest in a comfortable position that reduces strain on their heart. Either sitting against a wall or lying down is appropriate, based on what feels most comfortable.
If the person is not allergic to aspirin, have them chew (not swallow whole) one adult-dose aspirin (325mg) or two low-dose tablets (81mg). Chewing allows faster absorption into the bloodstream.
For individuals with prescribed nitroglycerin, help them take their regular dose as directed. This medication helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin tablets should be placed under the tongue to dissolve, with doses taken 5 minutes apart if pain persists, up to a maximum of three doses.
Loosen any tight clothing such as ties, collars, or belts to help ease breathing. Keep the person calm and still—unnecessary movement increases the heart's workload.
If the person becomes unconscious and isn't breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR immediately. CPR courses are readily available and spending a few hours to learn proper procedures for CPR can save the life of someone you know and love.
What If You're Alone During a Heart Attack?
Experiencing a heart attack when alone requires specific steps to maximize survival chances. Immediately call 911—this is your top priority regardless of how mild symptoms might seem. Many people minimize their symptoms when alone, yet swift emergency response is even more critical in this situation. When speaking with the emergency dispatcher, clearly state your location and symptoms. Following their instructions precisely could save your life as they're trained to guide you through this emergency.
After calling 911, chew one adult-strength (325mg) aspirin if available and you're not allergic. Aspirin helps prevent blood clot formation. Next, if you're at home, unlock your front door so emergency responders can easily enter should you become unconscious. Position yourself for safety—sit against a wall or lie down near the entrance. This reduces your heart's workload and prevents injury if you lose consciousness. Stay completely still and remain calm while waiting for help.
Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital—this endangers both you and others on the road. Moreover, paramedics can begin life-saving treatment immediately upon arrival, including performing an EKG to diagnose your condition.
Ignore myths about "cough CPR" or forceful coughing—these techniques are ineffective and potentially dangerous. Indeed, medical authorities specifically recommend against attempting these unproven methods.
Remember that knowing what to do in advance of this type of crisis will help you act quickly whether it’s to save your own life or the life of someone else have a cardiac crisis.
