If you suspect you’re having a heart attack at home, there is no guaranteed “10-second trick” that can save your life. Viral posts often oversimplify this situation. The safest actions are:
1. Call emergency services immediately
- Call your local emergency number (for example, 112/911 depending on your location).
- Put the phone on speaker if you are alone.
2. Stop activity and sit or lie down
- Sit upright or in a comfortable position.
- Avoid walking around or trying to “push through” the symptoms.
3. If recommended and safe for you, take aspirin
- If you are an adult, are not allergic to aspirin, are not having active bleeding, and a medical professional has not told you to avoid it, emergency guidance often recommends chewing an aspirin (commonly 160–325 mg) while waiting for help.
- If unsure, ask the emergency dispatcher.
4. Unlock the door if you can
- This can help emergency responders reach you quickly.
Warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, or pain
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, or sudden weakness
If someone with you becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR if you know how.
If this is about symptoms happening right now, tell me what symptoms you or the person is having and whether you are alone.
