A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage of the heart muscle. Quick action can save a life.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Symptoms can vary, but common ones include: ✅ Chest pain or discomfort – May feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest (can last more than a few minutes or come and go).
✅ Pain in other areas – Discomfort in the arms (especially left), back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
✅ Shortness of breath – May occur with or without chest pain.
✅ Cold sweat – Excessive sweating unrelated to physical activity.
✅ Nausea or vomiting – Often mistaken for indigestion.
✅ Lightheadedness or dizziness – Feeling faint or weak.

🚨 Women, elderly individuals, and diabetics may have atypical symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath without chest pain.

Immediate First Aid Steps

  1. Call 911 Immediately 🚑
    • Time is critical—early treatment can reduce heart damage.
    • Do not attempt to drive the person yourself unless absolutely necessary.
  2. Keep the Person Calm and Resting
    • Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position (semi-reclined is best).
    • Avoid physical exertion.
  3. Loosen Tight Clothing
    • Helps with breathing and circulation.
  4. Give Aspirin (If the Person is Alert and Not Allergic)
    • Dose: 160–325 mg of chewable aspirin (one regular adult aspirin or four baby aspirins).
    • Purpose: Helps thin the blood and prevent further clotting.
  5. Assist with Nitroglycerin (If Prescribed)
    • If the person has a prescription for nitroglycerin, help them take it.
    • Dose: 1 tablet under the tongue every 5 minutes (up to 3 doses).
    • Do not give if blood pressure is too low.
  6. Be Ready to Perform CPR (If Needed)
    • If the person becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or has no pulse, start hands-only CPR:
      • Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100–120 compressions per minute).
      • Continue until emergency responders arrive.
    • If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, use it ASAP! Follow voice prompts.
  7. Monitor the Person’s Condition
    • Watch for worsening symptoms.
    • Encourage slow, deep breaths to reduce anxiety.

What NOT to Do

🚫 Do not wait to see if symptoms improve – Act fast!
🚫 Do not let them eat or drink – Can cause choking or worsen nausea.
🚫 Do not give unnecessary medications – Stick to aspirin and prescribed nitroglycerin.
🚫 Do not assume it’s just heartburn – Chest pain should always be treated as serious.

Why Fast Action Matters

  • Within the first hour of a heart attack, heart muscle starts to die.
  • Early treatment (aspirin, CPR, emergency care) can significantly improve survival rates.

⏳ Every minute counts—Act FAST! ⏳

Would you like me to include a visual guide or an infographic for easier learning? 🚑