A comfortable position with your upper body supported may make breathing easier for some people.
Avoid unnecessary physical exertion.
The goal is to reduce the risk of falling or becoming injured while waiting for medical help.
Should You Take Aspirin?
This is an area where internet advice can become dangerously oversimplified.
Aspirin can be useful in some suspected heart attacks because it can reduce platelet activity and help limit clot formation. However, it is not appropriate for everyone.
You should not take aspirin if you have been told to avoid it, have a serious aspirin allergy, certain bleeding problems, or another medical reason that makes it unsafe.
If emergency dispatchers or a medical professional advises you to take aspirin, follow their instructions.
If you're uncertain, ask the emergency dispatcher rather than relying on a generic internet dosage recommendation.
And remember:
Aspirin is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
What About Nitroglycerin?
Some people who have previously been diagnosed with angina are prescribed nitroglycerin.
If it was prescribed specifically for you, use it according to your doctor's instructions or the emergency dispatcher's guidance.
Do not take someone else's prescription.
Certain medications, particularly some drugs used for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension, can interact dangerously with nitrates.
This is another reason not to experiment with medication during a suspected emergency.
Don't Try to “Walk It Off”
One dangerous misconception is that a person should walk around, stretch, drink water, or try to “push through” chest discomfort.
A possible heart attack is not something to test with exercise.
Physical activity can increase the heart's demand for oxygen at a time when blood supply may already be restricted.
Stop and seek emergency care instead.
Don't Drive Yourself If Emergency Transport Is Available
It may seem faster to get behind the wheel and head directly to the hospital.
But driving yourself can create additional danger.
Your symptoms could suddenly worsen. You could lose consciousness, become severely short of breath, or develop an abnormal heart rhythm while driving.
Emergency medical personnel can monitor you and respond if your condition changes.
If emergency medical transport is unavailable, follow local emergency guidance about getting to medical care safely—but don't drive if you are becoming faint, severely unwell, or unable to drive safely.