First Aid for Heart Attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when oxygen-rich blood can’t reach part of the heart muscle due to a blocked artery—often from a blood clot or plaque buildup. Without oxygen, heart tissue begins to die. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires fast action. Quick response improves survival and reduces long-term damage.
Common Causes of Heart Attacks
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Coronary artery disease | Plaque buildup narrows or blocks blood flow to the heart. |
| Blood clots | Sudden clot forms over plaque, blocking the artery. |
| Spasm in coronary artery | Temporary tightening reduces blood flow, often due to drugs or cold exposure. |
| Severe stress | Rare cases like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (“broken heart syndrome”). |
| Cocaine or drug use | Can trigger artery spasms or clot formation. |
High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase the risk.
Symptom Timeline and Urgency
Heart attacks don’t cause visible color changes, but symptoms often appear in stages or combinations. Recognizing when they happen can help you act quickly.
| Symptom | When It May Appear |
|---|---|
| Chest discomfort | Early warning or during the attack |
| Shortness of breath | Before or with chest pain |
| Cold sweat or fatigue | Before or during the attack |
| Arm, jaw, or back pain | With or without chest discomfort |
| Fainting or dizziness | May signal ongoing heart damage |
Seek help immediately if any of these symptoms last longer than 5–10 minutes.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Action
Call emergency services if you or someone else experiences:
- Chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes
- Pain that spreads to the arms, jaw, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath or cold sweat
- Nausea, fainting, or dizziness
- New or unusual symptoms in someone at risk for heart disease
Even mild symptoms can signal a serious issue. Do not wait.
What to Do in an Emergency
Acting quickly during a heart attack can save a life. If you or someone around you may be having a heart attack, take the following steps immediately:
- Call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can start treatment on the way to the hospital. Do not try to drive unless absolutely necessary.
- Elevation and Rest. While waiting for help, have the person sit upright and stay calm. Loosen any tight clothing and try to keep the person relaxed. Do not let them lie flat unless they become unresponsive.
- Take aspirin if recommended. Aspirin helps slow blood clotting and may limit heart damage during a heart attack. Only take aspirin if advised by a healthcare provider, and never delay calling for emergency help to take it.
- Take prescribed nitroglycerin. If you have a nitroglycerin prescription for heart problems, take it as directed while waiting for emergency personnel. Do not take anyone else’s medication.
- Start CPR if needed. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing or has no pulse, begin chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you’re trained in CPR, begin with 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. If untrained, continue with hands-only CPR until help arrives.
- Use an AED if available. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are often located in public spaces and can detect abnormal heart rhythms. Follow the voice instructions on the device to administer a shock if appropriate. AEDs are designed to be used by laypersons in emergencies.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery depends on how much damage occurred and how fast treatment was given. Hospital stays typically last a few days. Full recovery can take weeks or months.
| Factor | Effect on Recovery |
|---|---|
| Time to treatment | Faster response leads to less damage |
| Severity of blockage | Larger blockages may slow recovery |
| Heart muscle damage | Can reduce heart function long-term |
| Cardiac rehab | Improves strength and confidence |
| Chronic conditions | May make healing slower or more complex |
When to See a Doctor
If you experience unusual fatigue, chest discomfort with exertion, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. Understanding the signs of a heart attack, knowing how to respond in an emergency, and taking steps to protect your heart are vital for long-term health. With quick action and preventive care, you can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Prevention Strategies
Many heart attacks are preventable with lifestyle changes and proper medical management. Consider these strategies to reduce your risk:
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Limit saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Learn to manage stress with techniques like deep breathing, exercise, or counseling.
Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are essential. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar helps identify issues early and prevent complications.
