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 about repeatedly coughing, drinking water, or performing a particular breathing technique is not a substitute for emergency treatment.
If you develop possible heart-attack symptoms:
-
Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t wait to see whether it passes.
-
Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position.
-
Unlock the door and keep your phone nearby if you’re alone, so responders can reach you.
-
If you have prescribed nitroglycerin, take it exactly as previously instructed.
-
Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults with suspected heart attack, but it isn’t safe for everyone. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions or your clinician’s prior advice, particularly if you have an aspirin allergy, active bleeding, or have been told not to take aspirin.
-
Don’t drive yourself to the hospital unless there is absolutely no other way to obtain emergency care.
Know the warning signs
Possible symptoms include pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest; pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen; shortness of breath; cold sweating; nausea; or sudden unusual weakness. Symptoms can be less typical in some people.
If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR; use an AED if one is available.
Every minute matters with a heart attack. The safest “10-second” action is to recognize the possibility and activate emergency help immediately.
