What to Do if You Experience These Symptoms
Time is the most critical factor when dealing with a potential heart attack. Every minute that your heart muscle goes without oxygen-rich blood, more tissue dies. You must have a plan in place so that you act quickly and decisively if you ever experience these warning signs.
- Call 911 immediately: Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, and do not ask a friend or family member to drive you. Emergency medical responders can begin life-saving treatments the moment they arrive at your door. They can also perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) in the ambulance and notify the hospital to prepare for your arrival.
- Chew an aspirin: If you are not allergic to aspirin and your doctor has never told you to avoid it, chew a standard 325 mg aspirin while you wait for the ambulance. Chewing the aspirin allows it to enter your bloodstream faster than swallowing it whole, helping to break up potential blood clots.
- Unlock your front door: If you are home alone, unlock your door and sit down near the entryway. This ensures paramedics can reach you quickly without having to break down the door if you lose consciousness.
- Stay as calm as possible: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Loosen any tight clothing around your neck and waist. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths to help manage panic and conserve your heart’s energy.
- Do not downplay your symptoms to paramedics: When help arrives, be direct. State clearly, “I believe I am having a heart attack. I am experiencing sudden shortness of breath, jaw pain, and extreme fatigue.” Being assertive ensures they evaluate you for a cardiac event immediately rather than writing it off as anxiety or stomach flu.
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