Suspected Heart Attack: What to Do Immediately

THEPULSEDOC | Emergency Help
Written by Dr. Laiba Tul Jannat

1. Recognise the Warning Signs

A heart attack may cause:

• Chest pain or discomfort: Pressure, tightness, squeezing or heaviness in the chest.
• Pain elsewhere: Discomfort in one or both arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw or upper abdomen.
• Shortness of breath: With or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweating, nausea or vomiting: Sometimes accompanied by a feeling of indigestion.
• Dizziness, faintness or unusual fatigue: Especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Remember: Not everyone experiences all these symptoms. Some heart attacks begin gradually or cause only mild discomfort.

Medical reference: American Heart Association — Warning Signs of a Heart Attack.

2. Call Emergency Services Immediately

1. Call your country’s emergency ambulance number.
2. Tell the person answering that you suspect a heart attack.
3. Give your exact location and explain the symptoms.
4. Follow their instructions and stay on the line if asked.

If you suspect a heart attack, do not drive yourself to the hospital. Request an ambulance.

Medical references: NHS — Heart Attack · American Heart Association — Warning Signs.

3. What to Do While Waiting for Help

Stop and rest. Help the person sit comfortably, preferably with their back supported.

Stay with them. Reassure them and avoid unnecessary movement or exertion.

Follow medical instructions. If the person answering your emergency call advises a medicine, follow their instructions. If the person has been prescribed medication for angina, such as a GTN spray, they should use it only as directed by their healthcare professional.

About aspirin: After calling emergency services, ask whether aspirin is appropriate. The person answering your emergency call may advise an adult who is awake and able to swallow to chew aspirin (162–325 mg). Do not give it if they are allergic, have been advised not to take it, or if there is uncertainty about its safety. Never delay the emergency call to look for aspirin.

Don’t give food, drinks or medicines without appropriate medical guidance.

Keep checking their condition. Make sure they remain responsive and continue breathing normally.

Medical references: NHS — While Waiting for Medical Help · American Red Cross — Heart Attack First Aid · AHA / American Red Cross — 2024 First Aid Guidelines (aspirin) · MedlinePlus — Heart Attack First Aid.

4. If the Person Becomes Unresponsive

A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest.

If the person collapses or becomes unresponsive:

1. Make sure it’s safe to approach.
2. Call emergency services immediately, or ask someone else to call. Put the phone on speaker if possible.
3. Check whether they are breathing normally. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing.
4. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
5. Place your hands in the centre of their chest and push hard and fast, about 100–120 compressions per minute.
6. Ask someone to bring an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available. Switch it on and follow its spoken instructions.

Continue CPR and follow emergency-service instructions until professional help takes over, the person shows signs of life, or you cannot continue.

If you are untrained or unable to give rescue breaths, continuous chest compressions are appropriate for an adult in suspected cardiac arrest.

If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, follow the instructions given by emergency services and continue monitoring their breathing.

Want to learn more? Visit Resuscitation Council UK — How to Do CPR for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Important: Never delay calling emergency services or starting CPR to read an online guide.

Medical reference: Resuscitation Council UK — Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines (2025).

Remember: Acting Quickly Matters

You don’t need to diagnose a heart attack yourself or wait until you’re completely certain.

Recognise a possible emergency. Call for help without delay. Follow emergency instructions.

Knowing the warning signs and taking prompt action is what matters most.

For a more detailed explanation, read our article: Heart Attack: 5 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore.

Medical References

1. American Heart Association (AHA). Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Supports the five warning-sign groups and the importance of seeking help without delay.
2. National Health Service (NHS). Heart Attack. Supports emergency calling, avoiding driving yourself, comfortable resting, aspirin, prescribed GTN and monitoring responsiveness and breathing.
3. American Red Cross. Heart Attack: Symptoms and First Aid. Supports stopping activity, resting, reassurance, prescribed medication assistance and continued observation.
4. American Heart Association and American Red Cross (2024). Guidelines for First Aid. Supports activating emergency services and the conditional use of aspirin (162–325 mg) in alert adults experiencing non-traumatic chest pain.
5. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Heart Attack First Aid. Supports immediate emergency help, rest, prescribed medication precautions and avoiding food or drinks during suspected heart attack first aid.
6. Resuscitation Council UK (2025). Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines. Supports scene safety, recognition of cardiac arrest, CPR, compression rates and AED use.
7. Resuscitation Council UK. How to Do CPR. A practical public-facing resource explaining CPR and AED use.

Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general emergency first-aid information for adults. It does not replace emergency medical services or personalised medical care.