Imagine this: you’re alone, and out of nowhere, a crushing pain grips your chest, spreading to your arm or jaw. It feels terrifying, and you suspect it’s a heart attack. What you do in those critical moments could save your life.
Most people rarely think about how they’d handle a heart attack on their own, but knowing what to do can make all the difference.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, depriving it of oxygen. Without quick treatment, the heart muscle can suffer damage or start to die. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to survival.
Heart attack symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Intense chest pain or pressure that may feel like squeezing or heaviness.
- Discomfort that radiates to the arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness.
If you notice any of these symptoms, act immediately. Here’s what you should do:
Call for Help
Dial emergency services as soon as you suspect a heart attack. Don’t wait to see if the pain goes away—it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re too weak to dial, use a voice-activated phone or smart device to call for assistance.
Take Aspirin (If Available)
If you’re not allergic and have no contraindications, chew a 325 mg aspirin tablet while waiting for help. Chewing it allows the aspirin to enter your bloodstream faster, helping to slow the growth of any blood clots. However, only take aspirin if advised by your doctor for emergencies; it’s not for routine prevention without medical guidance.
Stay Calm and Rest
Sit down and stay as calm as possible. Panic increases your heart’s demand for oxygen, which can worsen the situation. Recline slightly to reduce strain on your heart and avoid unnecessary movements.
What Not to Do
- Don’t Ignore Symptoms: A heart attack doesn’t always look like dramatic chest clutching. Symptoms can be subtle but just as serious. Never dismiss them.
- Don’t Drive Yourself to the Hospital: Driving puts you and others at risk if your condition worsens. Wait for emergency responders, who can start treatment right away.
- Don’t Take a Bath or Shower: Although it might sound relaxing, it can strain your heart unnecessarily.
Research highlights how crucial quick action is during a heart attack. The first hour after symptoms start, often called the “golden hour,” is critical. Timely treatment during this period can greatly reduce heart damage and improve survival rates.
Be Prepared
Preparation can save your life. Make sure emergency numbers are easily accessible, whether stored in your phone or written down somewhere obvious. Learn the symptoms of a heart attack and share this knowledge with others.
When you’re alone, your survival depends on recognizing the danger and acting fast. Every second counts. By staying informed and prepared, you can give yourself the best chance to overcome such a life-threatening situation.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies about a big cause of heart failure, and common blood test could advance heart failure treatment.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about a new way to repair human heart, and results showing drinking coffee may help reduce heart failure risk.
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