Imagine being alone when a sudden, heavy pain strikes your chest. The pain may spread to your arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw. You may feel short of breath, dizzy, or sick to your stomach.
In that frightening moment, you might wonder if you are having a heart attack. What you do in the next few minutes could save your life. Many people never think about this situation, but knowing what to do ahead of time can make a huge difference.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a clot in a blood vessel. The heart muscle needs a steady supply of oxygen from the blood to stay alive. When that supply stops, the heart muscle begins to suffer damage.
If the blockage is not treated quickly, part of the heart muscle can die. This can lead to serious problems, including heart failure or death. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, which is why fast action is so important.
The warning signs of a heart attack are not always the same for everyone. Many people feel pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. Others may feel pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Some people, especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may have milder or unusual symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or lightheadedness. Even if the symptoms seem mild, they should never be ignored.
If you think you are having a heart attack and you are alone, the first and most important step is to call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the pain will pass.
Emergency responders can start treatment on the way to the hospital, which greatly improves your chance of survival. If you have a smartphone with voice control, use it to call for help if you cannot move easily.
If aspirin is available and you are not allergic or have not been told to avoid it, chewing one tablet can help. Chewing allows it to enter the bloodstream faster than swallowing it whole. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots from growing larger and may reduce damage to the heart. However, this step should only be taken if you know it is safe for you.
Try to stay as calm as possible. Fear and panic can make the heart beat faster and increase the strain on it. Sit down in a comfortable, upright position and loosen any tight clothing. This can help your breathing and reduce pressure on your heart while you wait for help to arrive.
There are also important things you should avoid. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital, because your condition could suddenly worsen while you are on the road, putting you and others in danger.
Do not lie flat on your back unless instructed, as this may make breathing more difficult. Avoid taking a hot bath or shower, since heat can place extra stress on the heart.
Doctors often refer to the first hour after symptoms begin as the “golden hour.” Getting treatment during this time can greatly reduce damage to the heart and improve survival. Quick medical care can reopen blocked arteries and restore blood flow before permanent injury occurs.
The best protection is preparation. Learn the warning signs and discuss your personal risk with your doctor, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Keep a phone nearby, know your address in case you need to tell emergency services, and consider wearing a medical alert device if you have known heart problems.
Even if you are alone, you are not helpless. Acting quickly, staying calm, and calling for help can save your life. Understanding what to do before an emergency happens gives you the power to protect yourself when every second counts.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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