Having a heart attack when you’re alone is a frightening thought, but knowing what to do in that moment could save your life. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is suddenly blocked. Without oxygen, the heart muscle starts to die, and fast action is the key to survival.
Heart attacks don’t always look like the dramatic scenes in movies. They can start slowly and feel different from person to person. Common signs include chest pain or pressure that may spread to your arm, neck, or jaw. You might feel short of breath, break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseated, or become dizzy.
If any of these symptoms show up, especially if they come on suddenly and don’t go away, treat it as a heart attack.
If you’re alone when this happens, here are the critical steps to take:
- Call Emergency Services Immediately
Dial emergency services right away. Don’t wait to see if you feel better. Every minute without treatment increases the risk of serious damage. If you’re unable to use your hands, try to use a voice assistant on your phone or smart speaker to call for help. In many places, even if you dial without speaking, emergency services will respond. - Chew an Aspirin (If Available and Safe for You)
If you have a 325 mg aspirin nearby and you’re not allergic to it, chew it. Chewing helps your body absorb the medicine faster. Aspirin can slow blood clotting and help keep blood flowing to the heart. But don’t take aspirin unless you’re sure it’s safe for you to do so. And don’t take it every day unless your doctor has told you to. - Stay Calm and Rest
Try to stay as calm as possible. Sit or lie down in a position that feels comfortable, ideally with your upper body slightly raised. Don’t move around more than necessary. Moving can increase your heart’s need for oxygen, which can make things worse.
What You Should Avoid:
- Don’t ignore your symptoms. Even if the pain is mild or you’re not sure, it’s better to be cautious. Heart attacks can feel different in men and women and can start with strange or subtle symptoms.
- Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. You may lose consciousness on the way, which is dangerous for you and others. Paramedics can also begin treatment the moment they arrive—something you can’t do for yourself behind the wheel.
- Don’t take a shower or bath. Hot water can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, putting more stress on your heart at the worst possible time.
The First Hour is Critical
Doctors often refer to the first hour after heart attack symptoms begin as the “golden hour.” Acting quickly during this time can greatly reduce heart damage and increase the chance of survival. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, fast treatment during this window is linked to much better outcomes.
Being alone means you need to act as both the patient and your own first responder. That’s why it’s important to be prepared in advance. Keep your phone close, save emergency numbers so they’re easy to dial, and learn the warning signs of a heart attack.
If you’re at higher risk—for example, due to age, family history, or other health conditions—talk with your doctor about what to do in case of an emergency.
In the end, while having a heart attack alone is a scary situation, knowledge and quick action can help you stay in control. Being ready can mean the difference between life and death.
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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