Imagine you are alone at home or walking outside when you suddenly feel a strong pain in your chest.
The pain may spread to your arm, back, neck, or jaw. It can be frightening, and many people are not sure what is happening or what they should do.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. The heart needs oxygen-rich blood to keep working properly. Without enough blood, the heart muscle begins to become damaged.
If treatment is delayed, the damage can become serious or even life-threatening. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death around the world, but acting quickly can greatly improve the chances of survival.
Medical research published in leading journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation, has shown that getting medical help as soon as possible is one of the most important steps in reducing heart damage and saving lives.
The warning signs are not always the same for everyone. Many people feel pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest. Others may notice pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, back, or upper stomach.
Some people become short of breath, sweaty, dizzy, or feel sick to their stomach. Women and older adults may have milder symptoms, such as unusual tiredness or general discomfort, making a heart attack easier to miss.
If you think you may be having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. In Australia, dial 000. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve. If reaching your phone is difficult, use voice commands if your phone or smart speaker supports them.
If you have aspirin available and your doctor has not told you to avoid it, chew one standard tablet rather than swallowing it whole. Chewing helps it work faster and may slow the growth of a blood clot. However, aspirin should not be taken regularly unless your doctor recommends it.
While waiting for help, sit down in a comfortable position with your back supported and try to stay calm. Take slow, steady breaths and avoid unnecessary movement. Anxiety is normal, but staying as relaxed as possible reduces extra strain on your heart.
Do not ignore the symptoms, drive yourself to the hospital, or take a shower or bath while waiting for help. If your condition suddenly becomes worse, driving could be dangerous, and paramedics can begin treatment as soon as they arrive.
Doctors often refer to the first hour after symptoms begin as the “golden hour.” Research shows that treatment during this period can greatly reduce damage to the heart and improve survival.
Being prepared can make a real difference. Keep emergency numbers easy to access, learn the warning signs, and know what you would do if a heart attack happened. Even if you are alone, acting quickly can help protect your health and may save your life.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer, and results showing strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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