Many people worry about having a heart attack, but few think about what they would do if it happened while they were completely alone.
Although it is a frightening situation, knowing the right steps before an emergency happens can improve the chances of survival. Quick action can reduce damage to the heart and help emergency teams begin treatment as soon as possible.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, heart muscle cells begin to die. The longer the blockage lasts, the greater the damage, so every minute is important.
The warning signs are not always the same for everyone. Many people feel pain, pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest that may spread to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or even the stomach. Other common symptoms include shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or a feeling that something is seriously wrong.
If you think you are having a heart attack, the first thing to do is call your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear because delays can be deadly. If you have a smartphone with voice commands or a smart speaker, use it to call for help if reaching the phone is difficult.
If you have been told by your doctor that aspirin is safe for you and you are not allergic to it, chewing one regular 325 mg aspirin tablet may help slow the growth of a blood clot. Chewing allows the medicine to work more quickly than swallowing it whole. However, aspirin is not suitable for everyone, so people should follow their doctor’s advice.
After calling for help, sit down in a comfortable upright position and try to stay as calm as possible. Panic can make the heart work harder and increase discomfort. Unlock your front door if you can safely do so, so emergency workers can reach you quickly when they arrive.
It is just as important to know what not to do. Do not ignore the symptoms or convince yourself that they are only caused by stress, heartburn, or indigestion. Many people delay getting help because they hope the pain will disappear, but this can lead to much more serious heart damage.
You should also avoid driving yourself to the hospital. If your condition suddenly becomes worse while you are behind the wheel, you could lose control of the vehicle and place yourself and others in danger. Ambulance crews can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, giving you a better chance of recovery.
It is also best to avoid taking a hot bath or shower during a suspected heart attack. Hot water can place extra strain on the heart at a time when it is already under severe stress. Instead, remain seated and wait for emergency medical professionals.
Doctors often describe the first hour after heart attack symptoms begin as the ‘golden hour.’ Receiving treatment during this time greatly improves the chances of survival and may reduce permanent damage to the heart. Modern treatments can reopen blocked arteries, but they work best when given as early as possible.
The safest approach is to prepare before an emergency ever happens. Learn the warning signs, know your personal risk factors, keep emergency phone numbers easy to find, and discuss an emergency plan with your healthcare provider. Even if you are alone, acting quickly and making the right decisions could save your life.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
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