First Aid for Heart Attack and Chest Pain: Emergency Guide, Symptoms & Prevention
Heart attack and chest pain are among the most common medical emergencies worldwide. A heart attack occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked, commonly due to a blood clot in the coronary arteries. This causes part of the heart muscle to become damaged or die. Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, but it can also occur due to many other conditions such as anxiety, acid reflux, pneumonia, or muscle strain.
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save someone’s life. Immediate first aid, quick recognition of warning signs, and timely medical help can dramatically improve survival outcomes.
This article provides a complete guide to heart attack first aid, causes, risk factors, symptoms, when to call emergency services, and essential do’s & don’ts during chest pain.
What is a Heart Attack? (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack (MI) occurs when a coronary artery is blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle. The blockage is usually caused by:
• A blood clot in a narrowed artery (due to atherosclerosis)
• Ruptured plaque inside the artery
• Severe coronary artery spasm
Without urgent treatment, the heart muscle can become permanently damaged within 20–40 minutes.
Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Feature Heart Attack Cardiac Arrest
What Happens? Blocked blood supply to heart muscle Heart stops beating suddenly
Consciousness Usually conscious Unconscious
Heartbeat Present but weak Absent
Breathing May have difficulty No breathing
First Aid Keep calm, call emergency, aspirin CPR + AED immediately
A heart attack can progress to cardiac arrest if not treated quickly.
Common Causes of Heart Attack
Coronary artery disease (most common)
• High cholesterol levels
• Long-term uncontrolled hypertension
• Smoking and alcohol abuse
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes
• Stress and anxiety
• Family history of heart disease
• Age: Men >45 years, Women >55 years
• High triglycerides
• Drug abuse (cocaine, amphetamine)
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack
Recognizing early symptoms is crucial. Not everyone experiences the same intensity.
Typical Symptoms
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Pain radiating to left arm, shoulder, jaw, back or abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating heavily (cold sweat)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling anxious or impending doom
Symptoms in Women (sometimes different)
• Upper back pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Heartburn-like sensation
• Unexplained tiredness
• Indigestion-like pain
Silent Heart Attack
Some people experience no chest pain, especially:
• Elderly
• Diabetics
• Women
First Aid for Heart Attack – What To Do Immediately
If someone has chest pain or suspected heart attack:
Step-by-Step First Aid
1. Call emergency services immediately
Don’t wait longer than 5 minutes if chest pain remains.
2. Make the person sit and stay calm
Preferably in a comfortable position — semi-reclined.
3. Loosen tight clothing
Helps improve breathing.
4. Give Aspirin (if available)
• One tablet of 300 mg, chew slowly
• Only if the person is conscious
• Not allergic to aspirin
• Not having severe bleeding, recent surgery, or stroke
5. Give Nitroglycerin (only if prescribed earlier)
• Sublingual tablet or spray
• Do NOT give if not doctor prescribed
6. Monitor breathing and pulse
Be prepared for CPR if they lose consciousness.
7. Keep warm and reassure
Reduces panic and stress load on heart.
8. Avoid movement
Walking or exertion increases oxygen demand.
Mistakes to Avoid During Heart Attack First Aid
Don’t Do Why
Don’t delay calling for help Every second counts
Don’t give food or water Risk of choking during unconsciousness
Don’t let them walk or drive Can worsen heart damage
Don’t give painkillers other than Aspirin NSAIDs can worsen heart condition
Don’t ignore mild symptoms Could progress suddenly
Chest Pain: Not Always a Heart Attack
Other causes of chest pain include:
Condition Type of Pain
Acid reflux/GERD Burning pain, after meals
Muscle strain Sharp, localized pain
Anxiety attack Tingling, fast breathing
Pneumonia, infection Fever, cough with pain
Pulmonary embolism Sharp pain + breathlessness
Costochondritis Pain increases with touch/movement
But ALWAYS treat chest pain as an emergency unless proven otherwise.
What To Do If Chest Pain Occurs
• Stop physical activity
• Sit down, stay calm
• Take slow deep breaths
• If pain >5 minutes → CALL EMERGENCY
If nitroglycerin is prescribed: take one dose, repeat in 5 minutes if needed (max 3 doses).
CPR for Heart Attack Leading to Cardiac Arrest
If the person becomes unconscious and no breathing / no pulse:
Hands-Only CPR Steps
1. Place heel of hand center of chest
2. Push hard and fast (100–120 compressions/min)
3. Depth: 5–6 cm
4. Allow chest to recoil fully
5. Continue until:
• Emergency help arrives OR
• Person starts breathing
If AED is available, use immediately.
What Happens at the Hospital?
Doctors will perform tests:
• ECG (Electrocardiogram)
• Cardiac biomarkers (Troponin)
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography
• Coronary angiography
Emergency Treatments:
• Thrombolytic therapy (clot-dissolving drugs)
• Angioplasty and stent placement
• Oxygen therapy
• Pain management
• Anti-platelet and anticoagulant medicines
Long-Term Prevention of Heart Attack
Healthy Lifestyle
• Low-fat and heart-friendly diet
• Control blood pressure and sugar
• Daily exercise (30–40 minutes)
• Quit smoking and alcohol moderation
• Maintain healthy weight
• Manage stress (yoga, meditation)
Regular Health Checkups
Especially for people with risk factors.
Quick Summary Table: Heart Attack First Aid
Action Purpose
Call emergency Fast treatment saves life
Put in sitting position Reduces strain on heart
Give aspirin Prevent clot growth
Monitor breathing Prepare for CPR
Keep calm Reduce oxygen demand
Golden Rule: “Time is Muscle” – Every minute delay damages heart tissue.
FAQs on Heart Attack & Chest Pain
1. How long can heart attack symptoms last?
They may last 15 minutes to several hours. If pain lasts 5 minutes, seek help urgently.
2. Can heart attack occur without chest pain?
Yes. Especially in diabetics, women, and elderly — symptoms may be mild or silent.
3. Should we give water or food during a heart attack?
No. It increases risk of choking if consciousness is lost.
4. Can stress cause heart attack?
Yes. Emotional stress can trigger heart attack in people with heart disease.
5. What age group is at highest risk?
Men >45 years, women >55 years — but it can occur at any age.
6. Is aspirin always safe during heart attack?
Not if the person is allergic, has active bleeding, or recent surgery. Only give if patient is conscious.
7. Can young people get heart attacks?
Yes. Poor lifestyle, smoking, drug abuse, and genetic factors increase early-age risks.
8.What should I do if I am alone and feel heart attack symptoms?
• Call emergency number immediately
• Chew an aspirin if available
• Unlock door for rescue access
• Avoid lying flat or walking around
9. Do women show different heart attack symptoms?
Yes — symptoms may include indigestion, nausea, fatigue, or back pain instead of chest pain.
10. Can heart attack be cured permanently?
Damage cannot be reversed, but medications + lifestyle changes can prevent future attacks.
Final Thoughts
Heart attacks require immediate and correct first aid. Recognizing early symptoms, administering aspirin, staying calm, and calling emergency services can double the chances of survival.
Chest pain should never be ignored. Quick action can save your life or your loved one’s life.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)