Remember as much of what you are about to read as you can because every minute counts when it comes to saving your heart muscle. As every minute passes, there is an increasing chance of irreversible damage to the heart.

Why Chewing Aspirin Matters in a Suspected Heart Attack

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, there’s one simple step you can take while waiting for emergency help to arrive: chew a standard adult aspirin (300mg), assuming you have no allergies or medical reasons to avoid it.

Why chewing and not just swallowing? Chewing breaks the tablet down faster, allowing the aspirin to enter the bloodstream more quickly. This helps thin your blood, making it easier for blood to flow around any blockage forming in the heart’s arteries. By improving circulation, aspirin can help limit the amount of heart muscle damage—a crucial advantage while you wait for professional care.

It’s a small but mighty move that can make a real difference.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack are different from one person to person. They will range from one of the classic symptoms of feeling like the elephant sitting on your chest, jaw and arm pain, sweating, to some of what is called the less typical symptoms like neck pain, back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, indigestion, fainting, and dizziness.

When it comes to women, the symptoms might be a little different. Adding to the usual symptom of chest pain during a heart attack, women feel other atypical indications more often than men. Men will more frequently feel chest pain as their primary symptom whereas women will usually encounter jaw pain, back pain, nausea, neck pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, indigestion, palpitations, dizziness, and passing out.

While chest pain is usually the most common symptoms of the heart attack, it is many times poorly localized. It is almost always behind your breastbone accompanied by a feeling of pressure. It can radiate to your neck and out to the jaw and your arms. The left arm is where the pain is commonly felt with a squeezing type sensation called angina. You have stable angina if the symptoms happen along with emotional distress or exertion and leave when you rest. If the signs hang on more than a few minutes, the diagnoses would not be stable angina, and you should seek help.

Angina vs. Heart Attack: Knowing the Difference

Angina, that squeezing chest discomfort, happens when your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood—usually during exercise or times of emotional stress. The pain or pressure typically resolves within a few minutes once you rest or remove the stressor. People diagnosed with angina often have medication (like glyceryl trinitrate) that relieves their symptoms quickly—usually within five minutes.

However, if the pain does not improve after rest or after taking angina medication, or if it lasts longer than a few minutes, this is no longer a typical angina attack and could signal a heart attack. It’s also important to watch for pain that becomes more severe, or if you start to feel unwell, nauseated, dizzy, or short of breath alongside chest pain. These are red flags that require immediate medical attention.

If you or someone you know experiences chest pain that doesn’t go away with rest or prescribed medication, especially if it’s accompanied by any of the above symptoms, don’t wait—call for emergency help right away.

What to Do if Angina Medication Doesn’t Work

If you’re someone who has angina and have been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets or spray, it’s key to know what steps to take if you have chest pain that doesn’t settle down. Typically, angina improves within a few minutes after using your medication. But if you use your usual medicine and the pain doesn’t let up after five minutes, here’s what you should do:

  • Take a second dose of your nitroglycerin as instructed by your doctor.
  • If there’s still no relief five minutes after the second dose, it’s time to treat this as an emergency—call 911 right away.
  • Don’t delay calling if your chest pain worsens, or if you develop other symptoms such as nausea, feeling faint, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Acting quickly is crucial—remember, time is heart muscle. If your angina medicine doesn’t help, err on the side of caution. Getting emergency care fast can make all the difference.

Sweating is one of the best-known signs of a heart attack. It happens because of a defense mechanism (your sympathetic nervous system) being activated as a response to a fight or flight. Sweating can occur without chest pain, and can also happen with the other non-chest pain signs of a heart attack.

Shortness of breath occurs as an indicator of heart failure that is caused by the heart muscle dysfunction arising from the heart attack.

Passing out can be a symptom of a heart attack, or it can happen from other reasons. It may be due to low blood pressure or dangerous heart rhythm. If someone with a known history of heart disease passes out, prompt medical attention should be sought.

A fast heartbeat (palpitations) by themselves are probably not a heart attack. If they happen with sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath should be concerning.

Shock will present if one becomes dizzy and light-headed, have a clammy and cool appearance, exhibit low blood pressure with a fast heart rate. Shock typically can be associated with a massive heart attack.

What to Do While Waiting for an Ambulance

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, the first order of business is to stay as calm as possible and help the person sit down and rest. Movement puts extra stress on a struggling heart, so keep them seated—ideally in a comfortable position with their back supported, with knees slightly bent.

If there’s no known allergy and one is readily available, give the person a standard adult aspirin tablet (usually 300mg). Have them chew the pill slowly before swallowing—it works faster that way and helps thin the blood, encouraging better blood flow to the heart muscle. This step isn’t a replacement for professional care, but it can make a crucial difference.

While waiting for the ambulance, keep an eye on their breathing and responsiveness. If they become unresponsive or stop breathing, initiate CPR immediately if you are trained to do so. Every minute matters—so reassurance, vigilance, and prompt action truly save lives.

Understanding Cardiac Arrest and Its Connection to Heart Attacks

Cardiac arrest is a serious complication that can sometimes arise during a heart attack, turning a critical emergency into an even more life-threatening event. Unlike a heart attack, where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions—often due to a dangerous rhythm called ventricular arrhythmia—and the heart suddenly stops beating altogether.

You’ll recognize cardiac arrest if you come across someone who:

  • Isn’t breathing or their breathing is abnormal (like gasping)
  • Is completely unresponsive, no matter how much you try to wake them
  • Shows no signs of movement

This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. If you suspect someone is having a cardiac arrest—especially if they have any history or symptoms of heart problems—immediately call emergency services (911 in the U.S.), begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and if available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) right away. These portable devices are found in airports, gyms, schools, and even some workplaces, and they can greatly increase the chance of survival by restoring a normal heart rhythm.

Prompt action can make all the difference—remember, minutes matter.

Recognizing Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, but knowing the signs is just as urgent. If someone goes into cardiac arrest, you’ll notice a sudden collapse—they won’t be breathing normally (or at all), and they won’t respond when you call out to them or give them a firm shake. There won’t be any purposeful movements, and their chest won’t rise and fall.

Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Complete loss of responsiveness—no reaction to touch or sound
  • Absence of normal breathing; they may gasp briefly or not breathe at all
  • Lack of movement—arms and legs are limp

If you ever witness these signs, it’s a true emergency. Call 911 immediately and start CPR if trained. Every second counts—quick action can save a life.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): What You Need to Know

If someone suddenly collapses and you suspect cardiac arrest, quick action could save their life. One of the most important tools in this scenario is an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED.

An AED is a portable device designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. You’ll often find AEDs in public places, gyms, airports, workplaces, and many large organizations—much like you might spot a fire extinguisher in the hallway. They’re intentionally made to be user-friendly, providing clear, step-by-step voice and visual instructions so even someone without medical training can use them.

How to use an AED during cardiac arrest:

  • Turn on the AED: The device will immediately begin to give audible instructions.
  • Expose the chest and attach the pads: The AED will show you exactly where to place the sticky electrodes.
  • Let the AED analyze: Don’t touch the person while the AED checks their heart rhythm.
  • Deliver shock if prompted: If the device tells you a shock is needed, ensure no one is touching the individual and press the button.

Using an AED as soon as possible, combined with CPR, significantly increases the chances of survival following a cardiac arrest. Time matters—a delay of even a few minutes can make all the difference.

If you’re ever unsure, remember: the device is built to guide you safely through each step. Don’t hesitate to use it.

Immediate Actions if Someone Goes Into Cardiac Arrest

Time is of the essence during a cardiac arrest, so here’s what you need to know right now—because your actions can truly make the difference between life and death.

Call for Help Right Away

If you suspect someone has gone into cardiac arrest (they are unresponsive and not breathing normally), immediately call emergency services. Don’t delay—getting professional help on the way is your first and most crucial step. If you’re not alone, delegate: have one person call while another starts resuscitation.

Start Chest Compressions (Hands-Only CPR)

Now, move fast. Place the heel of your hand at the center of the person’s chest, right on the breastbone. Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Using your upper body weight, push down hard and fast—aiming for a depth of about 2 inches (5 to 6 cm). Let the chest rise back fully between compressions. Try to keep a steady rhythm at about 100 to 120 compressions per minute (think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—you’ll never hear that song the same way again). Don’t stop until trained help arrives or someone else takes over.

Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if One is Available

If you have access to an AED—often found in public places like airports, gyms, or even your local grocery store—send someone to grab it. Power it on and follow the voice prompts (the device will walk you through each step). It analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, will advise you to deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Don’t worry, these devices are designed to be foolproof, even for those who have never used one before.

What About Rescue Breaths?

Unless you’re trained and comfortable with full CPR, focus on chest compressions alone. Hands-only CPR greatly increases the chances of survival and is easy to do even in a high-stress situation.

Being prepared to act—and remembering these steps—could be what saves a life.

Performing Hands-Only CPR on an Adult

Knowing how to perform hands-only CPR could be lifesaving if someone collapses and isn’t breathing normally.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand right in the center of their chest, directly over the breastbone. Place your other hand on top, and lace your fingers together to keep your grip secure.
  • Use your body weight: Keeping your elbows straight, lean over them and push down hard and fast—aim for a depth of about 5 to 6 centimeters (roughly 2 inches) with each push. Use your upper body, not just your arms, to provide enough force.
  • Maintain a steady rhythm: Your goal is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute—think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees or “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé to help keep the tempo.
  • Do not stop: Continue these compressions until professional help arrives or someone with more advanced training takes over.

If you’re not trained in rescue breathing, focus on these chest compressions—this hands-only approach can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.