A heart attack is one of the scariest medical emergencies someone can face. It can come on suddenly and feel overwhelming—not just for the person going through it, but also for anyone nearby. In that critical moment, knowing what to do can make a big difference while waiting for an ambulance.
The most important first step is always to call emergency services immediately. But there’s another step that many people don’t know about: how to sit or position the body during a heart attack. The right position can ease pressure on the heart and may help keep the situation from getting worse before medical help arrives.
When someone is having a heart attack, the goal is to make the heart’s job as easy as possible. Experts say the best position is to sit in a relaxed, slightly leaning-back position, with support behind the back and bent knees.
This position helps the heart pump blood more easily by working with gravity. Sitting up is much better than lying down because lying flat can increase the stress on the heart.
One simple way to get into this position is to sit on the ground and lean against a wall, sofa, or other sturdy object. Bend your knees and try to stay calm. If you’re helping someone else, help them into this position gently and keep them company while waiting for help. Reassure them that help is on the way.
Just as there are helpful actions, there are also things to avoid during a heart attack. First, don’t lie flat on the ground or in bed. This can make the heart work harder. Sitting up is safer and more comfortable. Also, avoid walking around or doing anything physical. The body needs rest, not extra strain. Movement can make the heart pump faster and worsen the situation.
Another mistake is ignoring the pain or waiting too long to call for help. Sometimes people think it’s just heartburn or try to “tough it out.” This can lead to serious complications. If there’s chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, don’t wait—call for help immediately.
It’s also best to avoid eating or drinking during this time, unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise. While some people may want to take an aspirin, this should only be done under guidance, especially since not all chest pain is a heart attack, and aspirin isn’t always safe.
Finally, forget about internet myths like “cough CPR.” This idea says that coughing hard can restart the heart or help during a heart attack. There is no proof that this works outside of specific hospital settings. It can even be dangerous. The safest and most effective action is to stay still, calm, and wait for emergency responders.
In short, the way a person positions themselves during a heart attack matters more than most people realize. Sitting upright, leaning back with support, and keeping the knees bent can reduce the heart’s workload and make breathing easier.
Avoid lying flat, moving around, or delaying medical care. These simple steps aren’t a cure, but they may help keep things from getting worse while waiting for professional help.
Being prepared and knowing what to do can save lives. A calm and informed response could make all the difference in a heart attack emergency.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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