Here’s what you should know.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without prompt treatment, heart muscle begins to die.
Common warning signs
Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain, pressure, squeezing, or tightness lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the arm (especially the left), shoulder, back, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue (especially in women)
Some people have mild symptoms, while others have severe chest pain.
What should you do immediately?
If you think you’re having a heart attack:
- Call your local emergency medical services immediately.
- Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.
- If possible, unlock your door and stay where responders can find you.
- Chew an aspirin (160–325 mg) if:
- You are not allergic to aspirin.
- You have not been told by a healthcare professional to avoid it because of bleeding or another medical condition.
- Chewing helps it work faster than swallowing it whole.
- Rest.
- Sit or lie down.
- Avoid walking around or driving yourself to the hospital unless there is absolutely no alternative.
- If prescribed nitroglycerin, take it exactly as your doctor instructed.
What about “cough CPR”?
You may have seen messages saying:
“Take deep breaths and cough hard every two seconds.”
This is often called “cough CPR.”
Important facts:
- It is not a treatment for a heart attack.
- It should not delay calling emergency services.
- In rare situations, healthcare professionals may instruct a monitored hospital patient with a specific abnormal heart rhythm to cough briefly, but this is not something people should rely on at home.
If the person collapses
If someone becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally:
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you know how.
- Use an automated external defibrillator as soon as one is available.
Can a heart attack be stopped in 10 seconds?
No. There is no breathing exercise, coughing technique, pressure point, or home remedy that can stop a heart attack in 10 seconds.
The most effective way to save heart muscle—and often a person’s life—is rapid medical treatment, such as reopening the blocked artery with medications or a procedure performed at a hospital.
Remember
If you have:
- Chest pressure or pain lasting more than a few minutes,
- Shortness of breath,
- Pain spreading to your arm, jaw, neck, or back,
Treat it as a medical emergency and call emergency services immediately. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of survival and recovery.