If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack at Home, Act Immediately
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Don’t wait for the symptoms to go away and don’t try to treat it with a home remedy.
If you develop symptoms such as pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest—especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw:
1. Call your local emergency medical service immediately.
2. Stop what you’re doing and sit or rest in a comfortable position.
3. If you’re alone, unlock the door and keep your phone nearby while waiting for help.
4. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
5. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital unless there is absolutely no other option.
Some people may be advised to chew aspirin during a suspected heart attack, but aspirin is not appropriate for everyone. Only take it if an emergency professional or healthcare provider advises you to do so and you have no known contraindication.
Every minute matters. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call for emergency help immediately.