If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home, Do This Immediately
There is no 10-second trick that can reliably stop a heart attack. Viral advice about coughing forcefully, drinking water, taking baking soda, or performing a particular breathing maneuver can be dangerous because it may delay lifesaving treatment.
If you suspect a heart attack:
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Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t drive yourself if an ambulance is available.
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Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down in a comfortable position while waiting for help.
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Unlock the door and keep your phone nearby so emergency responders can reach you quickly.
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If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, take it exactly as previously instructed.
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Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults, but only if emergency medical services or a healthcare professional advises it and you don’t have an aspirin allergy, active bleeding, or another reason it is unsafe.
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If you become unconscious and aren’t breathing normally, someone nearby should call emergency services and begin CPR; an AED should be used if available.
🚨 Recognize the warning signs
Possible heart-attack symptoms include pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, discomfort spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen, shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, or sudden unusual weakness.
Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. Every minute matters because early treatment can limit heart-muscle damage.
