That “10 seconds” claim is dangerously misleading. There is no proven maneuver that can reliably stop or reverse a heart attack in 10 seconds.
If you think you’re having a heart attack:
- Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t drive yourself if an ambulance is available.
- Stop what you’re doing and sit or rest in a comfortable position.
- If a clinician has prescribed nitroglycerin, use it exactly as directed.
- Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults with suspected heart attack, but it isn’t safe for everyone (for example, people with certain allergies or bleeding problems). Follow your emergency service’s instructions.
- If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED if available.
Typical warning signs include pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or unexplained weakness. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe.
