April 8, 2022

What Should You Do if Someone Is Having a Heart Attack?

Get the answer from an interventional cardiologist

Illustration of a person holding phone and dialing 911

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack in this country. Every year, about 805,000 people have a heart attack. Of that number, 605,000 are first heart attacks. And 1 in 5 heart attacks is a silent one, meaning the person isn’t aware that it’s even happening.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

So, what should you do if someone is having a heart attack? Interventional cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD, offers some helpful advice that can save a life.

Symptoms of a heart attack

Heart attack symptoms can range from shortness of breath to a feeling of impending doom. Some other common symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Chest pain or pressure (angina).
  • Discomfort in your arms, neck, back or jaw.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or passing out.
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
  • Sweating.

While women have chest pain/pressure like men, they’re more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Steps to take during a heart attack

In an emergency, it’s easy to panic. But staying calm helps ensure that your family member or friend (or even yourself) gets help — fast.

Advertisement

Step 1: Call 911

“A heart attack is a serious medical emergency and calling 911 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment,” stresses Dr. Cho. “This is because the emergency medical service workers can begin interventions immediately when they arrive and on the way to the hospital.”

Step 2: Take chest pain medicine

If you, or the person having the heart attack, have been prescribed chest pain medications, like nitroglycerin, use it. For those who don’t have chest pain medication, some healthcare providers recommend slowly chewing 325 milligrams of aspirin to help to minimize heart damage or prevent the development of a dangerous blood clot. But only do this if there isn’t a prior history of an aspirin allergy or a medical condition that could worsen because of it.

Step 3: Stay calm

As you’re waiting for emergency care, try to remain calm, loosen any clothing and rest. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, don’t eat or drink anything outside of medication, and if someone else is having a heart attack, don’t allow them to do so either.

Start CPR if necessary

In the event the person you’re observing becomes unconscious and unresponsive, call 911 and check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, start CPR.

Advertisement

If it’s a child or infant, always do one minute of CPR before calling 911.

Why it’s so important to get help immediately

Again, if you have the slightest suspicion that someone (or even you) is having a heart attack, the first and most important thing to do is to call 911. Don’t call your healthcare provider or drive to the hospital. This can waste precious time for treatment. And certainly don’t wait and hope symptoms will disappear on their own. There’s no penalty if it turns out to be a false alarm.

Related Articles

Aspirin poured onto table from bottle
December 7, 2023
Why You Are Sensitive to Aspirin

A reaction to the medication may trigger preexisting asthma and result in sinus or skin reactions

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad