I Think I’m Having a Heart Attack – Now What?
The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate a heart attack:
- Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, tightness, or heaviness)
- Chest discomfort that radiates to the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or the arms
- Indigestion or “heartburn”, nausea, or vomiting associated with chest discomfort
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, passing out
Call 911: If any of the above symptoms go on for five minutes you should call 911 and be transferred to an emergency room or other acute care facility by an ambulance. It is far better to be told you were overreacting than to die of a heart attack.
Do not drive yourself or have friends or family drive you.
Things to do while waiting for an ambulance:
Aspirin: If you are not allergic to aspirin chew (don’t swallow) 325 mg (one full adult tablet, or 4 baby tablets of 81mg each). Of note, if you regularly take aspiring and have already taken 325 mg that day, do not take any more.
Nitroglycerine: If you have been prescribed nitroglycerine (NTG) take 1 dose under the tongue and let it dissolve (do not swallow it). If symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes call 911 before taking any more NTG. If symptoms do improve you can take an additional dose every five minutes for a maximum of three doses and call 911 if symptoms do not resolve completely.