Learn what to do if you think you’re having a heart attack at home, including the most important emergency steps and what you should never do while waiting for help.
A suspected heart attack is a medical emergency. There is no proven trick that can stop a heart attack in 10 seconds. The most important thing you can do is get emergency medical help immediately.
1. Call Emergency Medical Services
If you have symptoms such as pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest—especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw—call your local emergency service immediately.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear.
If you’re alone, unlock the door so emergency responders can reach you easily.
2. Sit Down and Stay Calm
Stop whatever you’re doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position with your upper body supported.
Avoid walking around, driving yourself to the hospital, or doing strenuous activity.
3. If Your Doctor Has Prescribed Nitroglycerin
If you have previously been prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain, use it exactly as your healthcare professional instructed.
Don’t take someone else’s medication.
4. Ask About Aspirin
For some adults with suspected heart attack, chewing an aspirin may be recommended while waiting for emergency help. However, aspirin isn’t appropriate for everyone—for example, people with an aspirin allergy or certain bleeding problems may be advised not to take it.
Follow the instructions of your local emergency dispatcher or healthcare professional rather than relying on an internet “10-second trick.”
5. If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
If someone suddenly collapses and isn’t breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR if you are able. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available and follow its voice instructions.
Don’t Do These Things
❌ Don’t drive yourself to the hospital if an ambulance is available.
❌ Don’t exercise to “work the pain out.”
❌ Don’t ignore symptoms because they’re mild.
❌ Don’t rely on coughing, drinking water, or other viral heart-attack “hacks.”
❌ Don’t delay emergency care while searching for a home remedy.
Remember: Every Minute Matters
Heart attacks occur when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked. The longer the blockage remains untreated, the greater the potential damage to heart muscle.
If you think you’re having a heart attack right now, stop reading and contact your local emergency medical service immediately.