A suspected heart attack is a medical emergency. Understanding what to do, including how to position someone experiencing symptoms, can influence the outcome. This article provides guidance on immediate steps and recommended positioning.
Immediate Emergency Steps
The most important and immediate action to take when a heart attack is suspected is to call emergency services, such as 911 in the U.S. Delaying this call can lead to further heart damage and decrease the chances of survival. Emergency medical personnel can provide life-saving care on the scene and while transporting the individual to the hospital.
While waiting for help, have the person sit down, rest, and remain calm. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest, or waist to ease breathing. If there is no aspirin allergy, an adult can chew one aspirin (300 mg) to help thin the blood and reduce heart damage. Always consult the emergency dispatcher before administering aspirin.
If the person has prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain, they can take it as directed, but only after speaking with the emergency operator. Nitroglycerin widens blood vessels, reducing the heart’s workload. If the person becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, be prepared to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Finding a Comfortable Position
When someone is experiencing a heart attack, no single “side” to lay on is universally recommended. The primary goal is to help the individual find a comfortable position that aids breathing. Sitting upright, or in a semi-recumbent position, is often suggested as it can help reduce the heart’s workload.
A common comfortable position involves sitting on the floor with bent knees, with the head and shoulders supported, perhaps by leaning against a wall or sturdy furniture. This position also reduces injury risk if the person loses consciousness. Lying completely flat might increase discomfort and potentially worsen symptoms. A position that minimizes strain and promotes relaxation is beneficial until medical assistance arrives.
Why Comfort Matters
A comfortable, often upright or semi-recumbent, position during a heart attack offers several benefits. Sitting upright reduces strain on the heart by allowing gravity to assist blood circulation. This posture also makes breathing easier by opening the chest and diaphragm, allowing the lungs to expand and improving oxygen flow to the brain and other organs.
Fluid can build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) during a heart attack, causing shortness of breath. An upright position helps prevent this fluid from pooling, making breathing less labored. Maintaining comfort and calmness also reduces anxiety, which can increase the heart’s oxygen demand and worsen the situation.