❤️ If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home
There is no 10-second maneuver that can reliably stop a heart attack or save your life. Viral advice such as coughing forcefully, drinking water, or repeatedly hitting your chest should not replace emergency treatment.
If you develop symptoms that could indicate a heart attack:
- Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t wait to see if it goes away.
- Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie somewhere safe.
- Unlock the door and keep your phone nearby so emergency responders can reach you.
- If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, take it exactly as previously instructed.
- Ask the emergency dispatcher about aspirin. In some circumstances, chewing an appropriate dose of aspirin may be recommended, but it isn’t safe for everyone—for example, people with certain allergies or bleeding risks.
- Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical teams can begin assessment and treatment on the way.
🚨 Know the symptoms
Possible heart-attack symptoms include pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest, especially if it spreads to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw. Shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue can also occur. Women and older adults may have less typical symptoms.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms right now, call emergency medical services now rather than continuing to read.
