A heart attack is a terrifying experience—not only for the person suffering it but also for anyone nearby.
While the first and most important step is always to call emergency services, knowing what to do in the moments before help arrives can make a real difference.
One of the simplest and most important things is knowing the right position to take during a heart attack, along with understanding what to avoid.
When someone has a heart attack, the goal is to reduce the heart’s workload and keep the person as calm and stable as possible. Medical experts recommend a seated, slightly reclined position. This means sitting down with the back supported—such as against a wall or chair—and the knees bent.
Keeping the head and shoulders supported also helps. This position eases strain on the heart and improves blood flow using the help of gravity, without the added pressure of standing or lying flat.
Why not lie down? Lying flat can actually make the heart work harder, especially if blood flow is already compromised. It can also increase the risk of fluid buildup in the lungs, particularly if the person is experiencing heart failure symptoms alongside the heart attack.
There are also important things not to do during a heart attack:
First, don’t walk around or try to move too much. Physical activity can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, making the situation worse. Sit or stay still until help arrives.
Second, don’t ignore the pain. Some people try to “push through” or downplay their symptoms. This can delay life-saving treatment. Whether it’s chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arms or jaw, take it seriously.
Third, don’t eat or drink anything. It might seem harmless to drink water or try to calm down with food or a drink, but this can complicate emergency treatment—especially if surgery or other procedures are needed.
What about taking aspirin? You may have heard that aspirin can help during a heart attack. That’s true—but only in certain situations. If you’ve been told by a doctor to take aspirin for chest pain, or if emergency services instruct you to do so on the phone, then it’s okay. Otherwise, wait for medical advice. Taking the wrong medication when it’s not a heart attack could lead to further complications.
Another harmful myth is “cough CPR”—the idea that coughing forcefully during a heart attack can restart your heart. This is not supported by medical science and could actually delay proper treatment. Instead, stay calm, stay still, and focus on breathing slowly while you wait for help.
These steps are not cures or treatments, but they can help keep the situation from getting worse until professional care is available. Every minute counts in a heart attack. The faster you act and the more carefully you manage those first few moments, the better the chances of recovery.
In summary, the best position during a heart attack is to sit down, lean back with support, and bend your knees slightly. Stay calm and still, don’t eat or drink, and avoid myths like cough CPR. Most importantly, call for emergency help immediately. Being prepared and knowing these simple steps could one day save your life—or someone else’s.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
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