911 Basics: Responding to a Heart Attack
Heart disease is the leading killer in the U.S. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and how to respond could save a life. The following guidelines can help you make the right decisions and take the right steps when seconds count.
Heart attack symptoms
These may be symptoms of a heart attack. Not all of these warning signs occur in every attack. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur:
-
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
-
Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, back, and arms
-
Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
-
Feeling very anxious or very tired
-
Breaking out in a cold sweat
Men and women may have different symptoms. Women are somewhat more likely than men to have some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Be prepared
Take the following emergency actions ahead of time if you or a family member has a heart condition or is at risk of a heart attack:
-
Know which hospitals in your area provide 24-hour emergency heart care. Tell family and friends where they are.
-
Keep emergency rescue phone numbers near your phone or save them on your cell phone.
-
Tell family and friends to call 911 or your local number for emergencies if chest pain lasts more than a few minutes.
There are other causes of chest pain besides a heart attack. However, you should get medical help if you or someone else have the heart attack symptoms described above.
What to do
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack:
-
Call 911 or your local number for emergencies. Tell the person who answers where you are and that someone is having a heart attack. Don't hang up until you're told to do so.
-
Don't let someone who is having symptoms drive themselves to the hospital. If you are having symptoms, don't drive yourself.
While waiting for emergency help to arrive
-
Make sure the door to your home is unlocked.
-
Make sure you have a phone with you.
-
You may be directed to chew and swallow 1 adult (325 mg) or 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin:
-
Sit in a comfortable chair and wait for help to arrive.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ayden, Scott, MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Snyder, Mandy, APRN
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2017
© 2000-2018 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.