Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is blocked and heart muscle starts to die. It is different from cardiac arrest, but it can lead to one. Fast treatment saves heart muscle — “time is muscle”.
Common symptoms
- Pressure, tightness, squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or that goes and comes back.
- Pain spreading to one or both arms, the jaw, neck, back or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness, unusual fatigue.
Women, older adults and people with diabetes more often have atypical symptoms — breathlessness, nausea, back or jaw pain, or extreme tiredness without classic chest pain. Take them seriously.
What to do
- Call your emergency number immediately. Don't wait to see if it passes.
- Help them rest in a comfortable position, often sitting on the floor with knees bent and back supported. Loosen tight clothing.
- Aspirin: dispatchers or local guidance may advise chewing an adult aspirin if the person is not allergic and has no reason to avoid it. Follow the dispatcher's instruction.
- If they have prescribed medication for angina (such as a nitroglycerin spray), help them take it as prescribed.
- Monitor breathing. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, start CPR and send for an AED.
Do not let the person drive themselves to hospital. Paramedics can start treatment and transmit an ECG to the hospital en route.
Watch: Hands-only CPR with an AED
Video hosted on YouTube by its original publisher; embedded for education.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction