Surviving a heart attack when you're alone
Heart attacks differ from cardiac arrest, which is when your heart stops beating altogether. In fact, most people who have heart attacks remain conscious and aware of what’s happening. And that means you may have time — and the wherewithal — to take lifesaving steps, even if you’re alone. But the first few minutes are crucial. That’s why we’re here to help you recognize the symptoms and know how to act quickly.
Learn to recognize heart attack symptoms (even the less common ones)
Not all heart attacks look alike: Some are intense right away without any warning, while others start slowly, giving early signs — sometimes weeks in advance. Symptoms can also look different for men and women.
According to Dr. Jesse Klein, an interventional cardiologist with HCA Healthcare Florida, most heart attacks share a core set of symptoms:
- Discomfort or pressure in your chest
- Fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pain in your arms or shoulders (one or both sides)
- Shortness of breath
- Spasms in your back or cramps in your stomach
- Tightness in your neck or jaw
Dr. Klein also notes that less common signs can include clammy hands, cold sweats, irregular or rapid heartbeat and unexplained weakness.
Women tend to experience symptoms that are harder to recognize as signs of heart attack, such as heartburn and nausea, and that can be mistaken for other conditions, like anxiety or even the flu.
Listen to your body and act quickly
It’s important not to ignore any warning signs. Take quick action so an experienced cardiologist can treat you, particularly if you have heart disease such as congestive heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, the time between a heart attack and treatment is one of two key factors affecting how severely your heart muscle will be damaged.
Step 1: Call 911
In general, heart attack symptoms tend to get a lot worse during those early minutes. Even if the first warning signs are minimal, listen to your body if it’s telling you something is wrong. The serious nature of a heart attack and the potential long-term damage make it critical to get emergency care as quickly as possible.
If you are having a heart attack, you won’t be able to stop it on your own. Call 911 right away so emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can be sent to your location. Medical personnel can begin treating you as soon as they arrive — quicker than if someone tried to drive you to the hospital — and can continue treating you during transport. Arriving by ambulance may lead to faster treatment at the hospital, as well.
Step 2: Listen closely to dispatcher instructions
Once they understand your situation and have your address, the EMS dispatcher may ask if you can open — or just unlock — your front door without too much effort.
If you have indoor pets that are close by, the dispatcher may also ask you to close the pet in another room so they don’t interfere or slow down EMS workers.
If you identify heart attack symptoms early enough and don’t have to walk far, the dispatcher may want you to gather your daily medications into a bag. Keeping an up-to-date list of medications in your wallet is a great way to stay prepared for any hospitalization, emergency or even just a routine visit with your doctor. You can take the list with you instead of the actual medications.
Step 3: Benefit from early medication
While you wait for the ambulance, ask the dispatcher if you should chew aspirin. They may advise one regular pill (325 mg) or up to four low-dose baby aspirins (81 mg each). Chewing rather than swallowing the aspirin can help get it into your bloodstream right away.
Aspirin isn’t right for everyone. Don’t take it if you are allergic or have ever been advised by a physician that aspirin isn’t right for you.
If you have a prescription for nitroglycerine, ask the dispatcher if you should take it as well.
Stay where you are
Sit or lie down near the front entrance of your home so help can find you as soon as they arrive. Don’t move around any more than necessary, since movement adds to the stress on your heart.
As you wait for EMS, you can use the time to:
- Call a family member or friend to alert them to your situation and to let them know an ambulance is already on the way
- Consider loosening any belt or clothing that feels tight
It’s also good to avoid any repeated or forceful coughing since it can worsen your heart condition.
Every minute counts
Remember that fast action can save your life. The more you listen to your body and the quicker you act, the better your chance of survival and preventing further damage to your heart. Consider using a medical alert system, such as a device worn around your neck, especially if you live or spend your days alone.
And if you need heart health advice or cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack, HCA Florida Healthcare is with you every step of the way.