The right way to sit during a heart attack could save your life

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A heart attack can be very scary, both for the person who is having it and for those around them. But knowing what to do can help a lot while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Even though calling emergency services is always the first and most important step, learning how to sit or help someone sit during a heart attack can also make a big difference.

The main goal is to make the heart work as little as possible. Doctors say that the best position is sitting in a way that slightly leans back, with your back supported and knees bent.

This helps blood move through the body more easily and keeps the heart from working too hard. Lying down flat is not a good idea because it puts more pressure on the heart.

A simple and helpful way is to sit on the floor, lean against a wall or a heavy piece of furniture, bend your knees, and keep your head and shoulders supported. This position can reduce strain on the heart and help you feel a bit calmer.

There are also things you should not do during a heart attack. First, do not lie down flat. That makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Second, do not move around or try to do anything physical. Walking or doing chores can stress the heart even more. Try to stay still and breathe slowly.

Third, do not ignore chest pain or think it will go away. Some people try to wait it out, but that can be very dangerous. Always call emergency services if you think someone is having a heart attack. Quick help is very important.

Fourth, don’t eat or drink anything unless a medical person tells you to. Sometimes people think drinking water or taking aspirin helps, but it can make things worse if it’s not the right treatment.

Finally, ignore myths like “cough CPR,” which is the idea that coughing hard can stop a heart attack. This is not true and can be harmful. The best thing to do is stay calm, sit in the right position, and wait for help.

These actions are not treatments, but they can make the situation a little better while waiting for professionals. The time during and right after a heart attack is very important. Sitting in the best position and avoiding the wrong actions may help someone survive and recover better.

In short, if you or someone near you is having a heart attack, sit up with your back supported and knees bent, stay still, stay calm, and get help fast. Knowing what to do can save a life.

If you care about heart health, please read studies that yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease, and coconut sugar could help reduce artery stiffness.

For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.

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