What You Should Tell Emergency Dispatchers

When you call emergency services, provide clear information.

Tell them:

• Your location

• Your symptoms

• When the symptoms started

• Whether they are getting worse

• Whether you have chest pain or pressure

• Whether you have difficulty breathing

• Whether you are alone

• Any important medical conditions

• Medications you take

• Known allergies

If the symptoms began at a particular time, remember that time.

The time symptoms started can be medically important when clinicians determine treatment.

Don't Waste Time With Home Remedies

During a suspected heart attack, avoid relying on remedies such as:

• Drinking large amounts of water

• Herbal teas

• Garlic mixtures

• Vinegar

• Coffee

• Alcohol

• Massage

• Coughing techniques promoted online

• Exercise

• Cold showers

• Trying to induce vomiting

None of these should replace emergency treatment.

Some may even delay appropriate care.

A heart attack is fundamentally a problem involving blood flow to the heart. It requires medical evaluation and, when necessary, treatment to restore or improve blood flow.

What Happens at the Hospital?

Once you reach medical care, clinicians will rapidly assess what's happening.

Testing may include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the heart's electrical activity and can help identify certain patterns associated with an acute heart attack.

Blood Tests

Doctors may measure cardiac biomarkers, particularly troponin, which can rise when heart muscle has been damaged.

Imaging

Depending on the situation, doctors may use chest imaging or other tests to evaluate the heart, lungs, blood vessels, or other possible causes of symptoms.

Coronary Angiography

In some cases, doctors may examine the coronary arteries directly using a catheter.

If a significant blockage is found, treatment may include opening the artery with a balloon and placing a stent.

The exact approach depends on the type of heart attack, the patient's condition, and the findings of the medical team.

What Increases the Risk of a Heart Attack?

Several factors can increase cardiovascular risk.

These include:

• High blood pressure

• High LDL cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Older age

• Family history of cardiovascular disease

• Certain chronic inflammatory conditions

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Previous heart or vascular disease