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
- Call 911 Immediately 🚑
- Time is critical—early treatment can reduce heart damage.
- Do not attempt to drive the person yourself unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep the Person Calm and Resting
- Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position (semi-reclined is best).
- Avoid physical exertion.
- Loosen Tight Clothing
- Helps with breathing and circulation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- If the person becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or has no pulse, start hands-only CPR:
- 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! ⏳
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