What to Do If Someone Is Having a Heart Attack: First Aid Guide

Knowing what to do if someone is having a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans experience heart attacks, and quick action during those critical first minutes significantly improves survival rates. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency.

Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack

The first step in helping someone having a heart attack is recognizing the symptoms. Time is muscle when it comes to heart attacks—the sooner treatment begins, the less damage occurs to the heart muscle.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common warning signs include:

• Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Upper body pain: Discomfort may extend to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweats: Breaking out in a cold sweat without physical exertion.
• Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or actually vomiting.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
• Unusual fatigue: Extreme tiredness, especially in women.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Women may experience heart attacks differently than men. While chest pain is still the most common symptom, women are more likely to experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Back or jaw pain
• Unusual fatigue that may last for days
• Dizziness
• Indigestion-like symptoms

These symptoms can be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for less serious conditions, which is why awareness is crucial.

Immediate Actions: What to Do Right Now

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, every second counts. Follow these critical steps immediately:

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

This is the single most important action you can take. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away—even if the person denies they’re having a heart attack or if symptoms seem mild. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

When calling emergency services:

• Clearly state that you believe someone is having a heart attack
• Provide your exact location
• Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher’s instructions
• Answer all questions calmly and accurately

Important: An ambulance is the best way to get to the hospital. Emergency medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment immediately and are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients who arrive by ambulance also typically receive faster treatment at the hospital.

Step 2: Help the Person Get Comfortable

While waiting for emergency help to arrive:

• Have the person sit down, rest, and try to remain calm
• Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck and waist
• If the person is not allergic and not already taking it, you may offer them an aspirin to chew—but only after calling 911
• Keep the person still and comfortable
• Reassure them that help is on the way

Step 3: Monitor the Person’s Condition

Stay with the person and watch for changes in their condition:

• Check if they remain conscious and responsive
• Monitor their breathing
• Be prepared to perform CPR if they become unresponsive
• Note any changes to report to emergency responders

When to Start CPR

If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally, you must begin CPR immediately. Don’t wait for emergency services to arrive.

Hands-Only CPR for Untrained Responders

If you haven’t been trained in CPR or feel uncomfortable performing rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is highly effective:

1. Position the person: Lay them flat on their back on a firm surface
2. Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest between the nipples, then place your other hand on top
3. Begin compressions: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
4. Continue until help arrives: Don’t stop chest compressions until emergency personnel take over or the person starts breathing

Full CPR for Trained Responders

If you’re trained in CPR and feel confident in your skills:

1. Perform 30 chest compressions
2. Give 2 rescue breaths
3. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
4. Continue until the person responds or emergency help arrives

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. These devices are designed to be user-friendly and can dramatically increase survival rates.

How to Use an AED

1. Turn on the AED: Follow the voice prompts
2. Expose the chest: Remove clothing and attach the electrode pads as shown in the diagrams
3. Let the AED analyze: Don’t touch the person while the device checks their heart rhythm
4. Deliver shock if advised: Make sure no one is touching the person, then press the shock button
5. Resume CPR: After the shock, immediately resume chest compressions

AEDs are commonly found in public places like airports, shopping malls, office buildings, and gyms. They’re designed to be safe and will only deliver a shock if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the stress of an emergency, people often make these mistakes:

• Waiting to call for help: Never wait to see if symptoms improve. Always call 911 immediately.
• Driving to the hospital: Don’t drive yourself or let the victim drive. Emergency personnel can provide care en route.
• Denying symptoms: Many people, especially men, downplay symptoms. Trust your instincts—it’s better to be safe.
• Stopping CPR too soon: Continue CPR until professional help arrives or the person recovers.
• Being afraid to help: Even imperfect CPR is better than no CPR at all.

What Happens When Emergency Services Arrive

When paramedics arrive, they will:

• Assess the person’s vital signs and condition
• Provide oxygen therapy
• Start an IV line for medications if necessary
• Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm
• Provide appropriate emergency treatment
• Transport the person to the nearest appropriate hospital

Be prepared to tell emergency responders:

• When symptoms started
• What symptoms the person experienced
• Any medications the person takes
• Any known allergies or medical conditions
• What actions you’ve already taken

Medical Treatment for Heart Attacks

Once at the hospital, doctors will work quickly to restore blood flow to the heart. Treatment approaches may vary based on the type and severity of the heart attack. Healthcare providers will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual case.

Important note: If you or someone you know has been prescribed medication for heart conditions, it’s essential to take them exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. Never start, stop, or adjust any medication without consulting a doctor first.

Prevention: Reducing Heart Attack Risk

While knowing what to do during a heart attack is crucial, prevention is equally important. You can significantly reduce your risk through lifestyle modifications:

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Don’t smoke: If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can reduce heart disease risk
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
• Limit alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation
• Get quality sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night
• Know your numbers: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
• Attend regular check-ups: See your healthcare provider for preventive care

Managing Risk Factors

Work with your healthcare provider to manage conditions that increase heart attack risk:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease

Getting CPR Certified

One of the best ways to prepare for a cardiac emergency is to get certified in CPR and first aid. Organizations like the American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer courses that teach:

• How to recognize emergencies
• Proper CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants
• How to use an AED
• Choking relief procedures
• Basic first aid skills

These courses typically take just a few hours and can give you the confidence and skills to save a life. Many employers offer free or discounted CPR training, and community centers often host classes as well.

Psychological Impact and Support

Witnessing or experiencing a heart attack can be traumatic. It’s normal to feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed. If you’ve helped someone having a heart attack:

• Recognize that you did your best in a difficult situation
• Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed
• Consider joining a support group for similar experiences
• Use the experience as motivation to maintain your own heart health

Key Takeaways

Remember these essential points about responding to a heart attack:

• Act fast: Time is critical—call 911 immediately
• Recognize the signs: Know both typical and atypical symptoms
• Don’t wait: Never delay calling for emergency help
• Be prepared to help: Learn CPR and how to use an AED
• Stay calm: Your composed response can help save a life
• Focus on prevention: Make heart-healthy lifestyle choices

Conclusion

Knowing what to do if someone is having a heart attack is a vital skill that everyone should have. By recognizing the symptoms, calling for emergency help immediately, and being prepared to provide CPR if needed, you can make a life-saving difference. Take the time to get CPR certified, familiarize yourself with AED locations in places you frequent, and commit to maintaining your own heart health through preventive measures.

Heart attacks are medical emergencies that require immediate professional attention. While this guide provides important information for responding to cardiac emergencies, it should not replace professional medical advice, training, or emergency services. Always consult with healthcare providers about personal health concerns and appropriate preventive measures.

Your quick action and knowledge could save the life of a loved one, colleague, or stranger. Stay prepared, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to act when every second counts.

Sources:

• American Heart Association – Heart Attack Information
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Heart Attack
• American Red Cross – CPR Training
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Heart Attack
• Mayo Clinic – Heart Attack Symptoms