A heart attack occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked. Every minute without treatment increases damage. Act immediately.
Call for emergency help immediately. This is time-critical — the faster the person receives medical care, the better the outcome.
Help the person sit down in a comfortable position — sitting upright with knees bent reduces strain on the heart. Do not let them walk around.
Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest.
If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, and if aspirin is available — give one full adult aspirin tablet (300mg) to chew slowly, not swallow whole. This is one of the most important things you can do.
Keep the person calm and reassured. Stress and anxiety worsen cardiac events.
Monitor the person closely. If they lose consciousness and stop breathing, begin CPR immediately.
CPR: 30 hard, fast chest compressions on the centre of the chest followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue without stopping until help arrives.
Do not give food, water, or any other medication.
Do not leave them alone.
Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or squeezing — especially if spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back.
Sudden severe shortness of breath with or without chest pain.
Person loses consciousness or stops breathing — begin CPR.
Pale, grey, sweating, and feeling of doom — classic signs of serious cardiac event.
Pulse is very fast, very slow, or irregular.
Do not give aspirin if the person is allergic, has a bleeding disorder, or has taken blood thinners.
Do not let the person walk to the car or hospital — exertion worsens damage.
Do not give nitroglycerin unless prescribed specifically for this person.
Heart attack symptoms in women are often different — nausea, jaw pain, back pain, and fatigue may be the only signs, without classic chest pain.
✓ What Helps
· Aspirin 300mg — chewed, not swallowed whole, if person is conscious and not allergic
✗ What To Avoid
· Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs — can worsen cardiac events
· Any stimulants
· Food or water
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Aspirin 300mg tablets — keep in every home and first aid kit
· Oxygen if available at a clinic
🏥 Get Professional Help
This is an absolute emergency. Every minute of delay causes more permanent heart muscle damage. Get the person to the nearest hospital with a cardiac unit immediately. Do not drive yourself — have someone else drive or find any transport available.