On-site Heart Attack Treatment: 12 Medical Standard Emergency Steps

Every year, the world records millions of myocardial infarction cases, many of which result in death within the first hour because the patient or those around them do not recognize the signs of myocardial infarction early and are slow to provide myocardial infarction first aid. According to medical statistics, about half of myocardial infarction deaths occur before the patient can reach the hospital. This shows that even a few minutes of correct treatment can be life-saving.

If you or a loved one suddenly experience signs of myocardial infarction such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or jaw, knowing how to provide myocardial infarction first aid immediately will help reduce the risk of complications and significantly increase the chance of survival. In this article, Tiptory will guide you through important, easy-to-apply, and medically recommended steps, helping you act calmly and correctly when faced with a myocardial infarction in an emergency situation.

Part 1: How to recognize the signs of myocardial infarction

Step 1: Recognize chest pain due to myocardial infarction

Pay attention to pain or discomfort in the chest area

• The typical symptom of a myocardial infarction is not always severe pain. Many people only feel a dull ache or discomfort in the chest but ignore it, thinking it's fatigue or stomach pain.
• This sensation is often described as a heavy pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the chest, similar to heartburn or indigestion.
• If the pain appears unusually, lasts longer, or intensifies, consider the possibility of signs of myocardial infarction and closely monitor accompanying symptoms.

Monitor the duration and location of the pain

• Pain or discomfort typically occurs in the center of the chest or slightly to the left side of the chest.
• Symptoms can last for several minutes or more, then subside and recur multiple times.
• This is one of the common signs of myocardial infarction, especially in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or a history of cardiovascular disease.

Do not ignore the feeling of pressure or heavy tightness in the chest

• In addition to chest pain, many people describe a feeling of a heavy object pressing on their chest, tightness, or uncomfortable fullness in the chest.
• This sensation can occur at rest or during activity and often does not completely improve with changes in position.
• If symptoms last longer than 5 minutes or recur continuously, call for emergency help immediately instead of waiting for the pain to subside on its own.

Note when the pain spreads to other areas

• Pain from a myocardial infarction is not limited to the chest area but can also spread to:
  • Neck or nape.
  • Left shoulder or both shoulders.
  • Arm, especially the left arm.
  • Jaw, teeth, or face area.
  • Upper back.
  • Upper abdomen.
• When chest pain is accompanied by pain radiating to these areas, especially if it comes with shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness, consider it a sign of myocardial infarction requiring myocardial infarction first aid as soon as possible. Getting to a medical facility during the "golden hour" will significantly increase the chances of survival and reduce myocardial damage.

Step 2: Recognize other signs of myocardial infarction

Don't just focus on chest pain

• Not everyone who has a myocardial infarction experiences typical chest pain. In fact, some people only have vague symptoms or almost no chest pain.
• Therefore, if your body shows multiple unusual signs at once, you should not be complacent but consider the possibility of signs of myocardial infarction to respond promptly.

Shortness of breath even without exertion

• Shortness of breath is one of the common signs of myocardial infarction and can appear before, during, or after chest pain.
• You may feel breathless, gasping for air, needing to take deep breaths continuously, or a sensation of not getting enough air even while resting.
• In some cases, shortness of breath is the only symptom of a myocardial infarction, especially in older adults, women, and people with diabetes.

Nausea, epigastric pain, or vomiting

• Myocardial infarction can sometimes cause epigastric pain, nausea, or vomiting, leading many people to mistake it for digestive disorders, food poisoning, or the flu.
• If these symptoms appear suddenly, especially accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or cold sweats, consider the possibility of heart disease and quickly go to a medical facility.

Dizziness or feeling faint

• The patient may feel lightheaded, dizzy, lose balance, or feel like they are about to faint.
• In some cases, fainting can occur due to the heart not pumping enough blood to the brain.
• This is a serious warning symptom, especially when accompanied by other signs of myocardial infarction.

Unusual anxiety or a feeling that something dangerous is about to happen

• Before or during a myocardial infarction, many people experience intense restlessness, anxiety, or panic without a clear reason.
• Some people describe a feeling that "something very bad is about to happen," even without identifying a specific reason.
• If this state is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, consider it a sign that myocardial infarction first aid is needed immediately, rather than waiting for the symptoms to disappear on their own.

Act immediately if myocardial infarction is suspected

• If one or more signs of myocardial infarction appear, especially prolonged chest pain combined with shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, call for emergency help immediately.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital if symptoms are severe, as the condition can progress very quickly.
• Providing myocardial infarction first aid during the "golden hour" helps restore blood flow to the heart early, reduce myocardial damage, and significantly increase the chance of survival.

Step 3: Signs of myocardial infarction in women

Symptoms in women are often different from men

• While chest pain is a common sign of myocardial infarction in both men and women, women are more likely to experience only mild chest pain or even no chest pain.
• Older adults and people with diabetes can also experience similar situations, making it harder to recognize the disease.
• Therefore, the risk of myocardial infarction should not be ruled out just because there is no severe chest pain.

Dull chest pain, appearing and disappearing

• Women often do not experience severe chest pain as many people might think.
• The pain may:
  • Appear gradually and then intensify.
  • Come and go.
  • Ease with rest but recur or worsen with activity.
  • Cause a feeling of tightness, heaviness, or discomfort in the chest.
• This is one of the signs of myocardial infarction that is easily confused with muscle strain or common fatigue.

Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or back

• In addition to the chest area, pain can spread to:
  • Jaw or teeth.
  • Neck.
  • Shoulder.
  • Upper back.
• This is a fairly typical symptom in women but is often overlooked because heart disease is not considered.

Nausea and upper abdominal pain

• Women with myocardial infarction are prone to symptoms such as:
  • Epigastric pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Abdominal discomfort.
• These symptoms are easily mistaken for bloating, acid reflux, indigestion, or the flu, leading many people to delay seeking emergency care.

Unusual cold sweats

• Cold sweats are a fairly common sign of myocardial infarction in women.
• Sweat often appears suddenly, the whole body feels cold and clammy, and it is not related to exertion or hot weather.
• Many people describe this feeling as if they are experiencing a stressful or panicked situation.

Anxiety or unexplained panic

• Some women may feel:
  • Intense anxiety.
  • Sudden panic.
  • A premonition or feeling that something very serious is about to happen.
• If these symptoms appear along with other myocardial infarction symptoms, consider the possibility of heart disease immediately instead of just attributing it to stress.

Unusual prolonged fatigue

• Fatigue is a symptom that is easily overlooked but is quite common before a myocardial infarction in women.
• The patient may:
  • Be exhausted despite not doing heavy work.
  • Feel low on energy for many hours or days.
  • Have difficulty completing daily activities due to body weakness.
• If this condition appears suddenly and without a clear cause, especially when accompanied by other signs of myocardial infarction, seek medical attention early.

Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting

• Women may feel breathless, gasping for air, dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint due to the heart not pumping enough blood to the organs.
• This is an emergency warning sign that requires immediate attention.

Don't wait for symptoms to become severe

• If one or more signs of myocardial infarction appear, especially in women, older adults, or people with diabetes, call for emergency help immediately.
• Emergency treatment for a heart attack in the first few minutes helps increase the chances of coronary artery reperfusion, reduces myocardial damage, and significantly improves survival rates.

Step 4: Take immediate action if a heart attack is suspected

Do not wait for symptoms to subside

• The majority of heart attack cases do not occur suddenly but often start gradually with symptoms that increase over time.
• Many people are complacent, thinking they are just tired, have an upset stomach, or are stressed, leading to missing the "golden hour" for treatment.
• If you or someone around you experiences signs of a heart attack, call for emergency help immediately instead of waiting to see if the symptoms improve on their own.

Every minute matters for survival

• In heart attack emergencies, time directly determines survival rates and the extent of myocardial damage.
• According to medical statistics, approximately 60% of heart attack deaths occur within the first hour after symptom onset.
• The sooner a patient is brought to the hospital, the higher the chance of coronary artery reperfusion, myocardial preservation, and recovery.

Do not confuse with other conditions

• Many heart attack symptoms can resemble common health issues such as:
  • Heartburn or acid reflux.
  • Indigestion.
  • Flu.
  • Stress or panic attacks.
• If symptoms appear suddenly or are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or pain radiating to the shoulder, jaw, or arm, prioritize thinking of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms can vary among individuals

• Not everyone experiences the same symptoms during a heart attack.
• Some people only have mild symptoms, while others show multiple signs simultaneously.
• Symptoms can:
  • Appear and then subside.
  • Recur multiple times within a few hours.
  • Increase in intensity.
  • Or be very subtle, making them difficult to recognize.
• In fact, some cases only have vague or almost no clear symptoms before a cardiovascular event occurs.

Prioritize calling emergency services instead of self-treating at home

• If a heart attack is suspected, call emergency services immediately and follow the instructions of medical personnel.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital if symptoms are severe or rapidly progressing, as the condition can worsen at any time.
• The sooner emergency treatment for a heart attack is provided, the shorter the myocardial ischemia time, the lower the risk of dangerous complications, and the significantly higher the chance of survival.

Part 2: How to administer first aid and call for emergency help during a heart attack

Step 1: Call emergency services immediately if a heart attack is suspected

Contact emergency services immediately if there are suspicious signs

• If signs of a heart attack appear, call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.
• According to statistics, most patients still have a chance of survival if they are brought to the hospital while conscious and receive timely treatment.
• Hesitation or hoping symptoms will disappear on their own is one of the reasons why many cases miss the "golden hour" to save heart muscle.

Do not wait until symptoms worsen

• Even if you are not sure you are having a heart attack, you should still seek immediate medical attention.
• Many symptoms can resemble indigestion, upset stomach, or stress, but if the cause is a heart attack, every minute of delay increases the risk of myocardial damage and death.
• It is better to get checked and rule out the risk than to ignore a dangerous emergency.

Do not hesitate to call an ambulance

• Do not worry that you will bother doctors or medical staff if it turns out not to be a heart attack.
• Emergency teams always prioritize rapid assessment of suspected acute cardiovascular cases to ensure patient safety.
• Calling emergency services is the safest option when there are signs of a heart attack.

Ambulances help shorten treatment time

• Upon arriving at the scene, medical personnel can:
  • Quickly assess the patient's condition.
  • Monitor vital signs.
  • Provide respiratory support if needed.
  • Administer initial heart attack emergency care and notify the hospital in advance to prepare for admission.
• This helps patients receive treatment faster than if they went to the hospital themselves.

Do not drive yourself to the hospital

• If a heart attack is suspected, do not drive a car or motorcycle yourself, as you could suddenly faint, experience arrhythmia, or lose consciousness while moving.
• If an ambulance cannot arrive in time and there are no other options, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to take you to the nearest emergency room.
• Throughout the journey, the patient should limit exertion, remain calm, and have symptom information ready so that medical personnel can quickly provide heart attack emergency care upon arrival.

Step 2: Inform others about your condition

Notify immediately if a heart attack is suspected

• If signs of a heart attack appear, calmly tell family members, colleagues, or those around you that you need urgent assistance.
• Early notification helps others quickly call emergency services, monitor your condition, and be ready to assist if the illness worsens.
• In cases where the patient is unconscious or in cardiac arrest, those around them can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if trained, helping to increase the chance of survival.

If driving, stop immediately

• Do not try to continue driving if you suspect a heart attack, as you could lose consciousness or experience arrhythmia at any time.
• You should:
  • Pull over to a safe place.
  • Turn on hazard lights if available.
  • Call emergency services or ask passersby for help.
  • Wait for medical personnel to arrive if possible.
• This is the safest way to protect yourself and other road users during heart attack emergency care.

If on a plane, notify the flight attendant immediately

• If you suspect a heart attack, inform the flight attendant immediately instead of trying to endure it.
• Flight attendants can:
  • Provide initial first aid.
  • Use medical equipment available on the plane as per regulations.
  • Seek doctors or medical personnel among passengers if available.
  • Contact the cockpit to coordinate emergency response.
• In serious cases, the crew may consider landing at the nearest airport so that the patient can receive heart attack emergency care as soon as possible.

Stay calm and wait for assistance

• After notifying others, avoid moving around or exerting yourself.
• Sit or lie in a comfortable position, remain calm, and follow the instructions of medical personnel or assistants.
• Calmly cooperating with those around you will help the heart attack emergency care process proceed faster and more effectively.

Step 3: Limit physical activity to reduce strain on the heart

Stop all activity immediately if a heart attack is suspected

• If signs of a heart attack appear, immediately stop all activities, including brisk walking, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects.
• Continued exertion will force the heart to work harder, worsening damage to the ischemic heart muscle and increasing the risk of dangerous complications.

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position

• Choose a safe place to rest while waiting for heart attack emergency care.
• You should:
  • Sit leaning back or lie down with your head and shoulders slightly elevated if you find it easier to breathe.
  • Loosen tight clothing around your neck or chest.
  • Keep your body in a stable position, avoiding sudden changes in posture if you feel dizzy.

Stay calm to reduce pressure on the heart

• Anxiety and panic can increase heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart work harder.
• Breathe slowly and deeply, and try to remain calm while waiting for medical personnel to arrive.
• If someone is with you, ask them to call emergency services, monitor your condition, and be ready to assist when needed.

Do not attempt to move yourself

• Do not walk long distances, drive yourself, or continue working if you experience signs of a heart attack.
• Only move when absolutely necessary or as directed by medical personnel.
• Resting and limiting physical activity while waiting for heart attack emergency care will help reduce the heart muscle's oxygen demand, limit widespread damage, and facilitate subsequent treatment.

Step 4: Use aspirin or nitroglycerin correctly

Only use aspirin when appropriate

• If you suspect symptoms of a heart attack, aspirin can help reduce blood clot formation and, in some cases, help prevent coronary artery blockage.
• When advised by medical professionals or previously counselled by a doctor, you can:
  • Slowly chew 1 aspirin tablet instead of swallowing it whole for faster absorption.
  • Simultaneously call for emergency help immediately; do not wait for the medication to take effect before seeking assistance.
• Aspirin is only an initial supportive measure and does not replace emergency heart attack care.

Use nitroglycerin if prescribed by a doctor

• If you are being treated for coronary artery disease and have been prescribed nitroglycerin, use the correct dose as directed immediately upon the appearance of heart attack symptoms or angina.
• After taking the medication, you must still call for emergency help immediately, as nitroglycerin only helps alleviate symptoms in some individuals and does not treat the underlying cause of a heart attack.

Do not self-medicate without prior instruction

• Not everyone who suspects a heart attack should self-administer aspirin or nitroglycerin.
• Aspirin may not be suitable for people who are:
  • Allergic to aspirin.
  • Currently bleeding or at high risk of hemorrhage.
  • Suffering from certain stomach conditions or blood clotting disorders.
• Nitroglycerin also has contraindications in some cases, especially with low blood pressure or when using certain medications for erectile dysfunction.

Discuss with your doctor in advance if you are at risk for heart disease

• If you have a history of coronary artery disease or are in a high-risk group, ask your doctor if you should keep aspirin or nitroglycerin on hand for emergency situations.
• Being prepared will help you manage correctly when heart attack symptoms appear, and also avoid using inappropriate medication.

Medication is not a substitute for emergency care

• Even if you have taken aspirin or nitroglycerin, you still need emergency heart attack care as soon as possible.
• Hospital treatment within the "golden hour" is the crucial factor that helps restore coronary blood flow, reduce myocardial damage, and increase survival chances.

Part 3: Standard Post-Myocardial Infarction Rehabilitation Regimen

Step 1: Adhere to treatment after a heart attack

Follow doctor's instructions after treatment

• After recovering from a heart attack, adhering to the treatment regimen plays a crucial role in the recovery process and prevention of recurrence.
• Take medication at the correct dosage, attend follow-up appointments as scheduled, and fully comply with your doctor's instructions, even if you feel better.
• Do not arbitrarily stop medication or change dosages, as this can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Take medication regularly as prescribed

• After a heart attack, many patients will be prescribed medications to help reduce the risk of blood clot formation and protect cardiovascular health.
• In many cases, these medications need to be used long-term or for life to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• If you experience side effects or have questions about your medication, discuss them directly with your doctor instead of arbitrarily stopping treatment.

Regular follow-ups and health monitoring

• After the heart attack emergency, you need to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled so your doctor can:
  • Assess the heart's recovery process.
  • Check the effectiveness of the medication.
  • Adjust the treatment regimen if necessary.
  • Detect complications or recurrence risks early.
• Regular monitoring helps improve prognosis and maintain long-term cardiovascular health.

Make lifestyle changes to reduce recurrence risk

• In addition to medication, individuals who have experienced a heart attack should maintain heart-healthy habits such as:
  • Eating a balanced diet, limiting saturated fats and salt.
  • Exercising as advised by their doctor.
  • Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
  • Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep.
• These changes help reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks and improve quality of life.

Persevere with treatment to protect your heart long-term

• Recovery after a heart attack is a journey that takes time, both physically and mentally.
• Combining medication, regular follow-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle will help reduce the risk of complications, prolong life, and sustainably protect cardiovascular health.

Step 2: Post-myocardial Infarction Mental Health Care

Emotional changes are common

• After recovering from a heart attack, many people not only recover physically but also face psychological changes.
• You may experience emotions such as:
  • Anxiety about recurrence.
  • Sadness or loss of interest in life.
  • Low self-esteem because health is no longer as it was.
  • Feeling guilty about unhealthy lifestyle habits in the past.
  • Insecurity or fear about the future.
• This is a fairly common reaction after a severe cardiac event and does not mean you are weak.

Don't keep your feelings to yourself

• If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress persist, share them with family or your doctor.
• Receiving timely listening and support will help you adapt better to life after a heart attack.
• In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for support if symptoms affect daily life.

Participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program

• After the heart attack emergency, many patients are encouraged to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program if conditions permit.
• The program typically includes:
  • Guidance on safe exercise.
  • Nutritional counseling.
  • Management of cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Psychological support and stress management.
• This is one of the measures that helps improve both physical and mental health after a cardiac event.

Maintain connections with family and community

• The companionship of family, friends, and colleagues can help patients regain confidence and motivation during the recovery process.
• Proactively participate in activities appropriate for your health condition, maintain communication, and avoid isolating yourself.
• A positive living environment will contribute to reducing stress and improving quality of life after a heart attack.

Be patient with the recovery process

• Recovery after a heart attack is a journey that takes time, both physically and mentally.
• Adhere to treatment, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek support when needed.
• Good mental health care not only helps you feel more optimistic but also contributes to improving treatment effectiveness and reducing the risk of disease recurrence in the future.

Step 3: Reduce the Risk of Recurrent Myocardial Infarction

Understand the risk of recurrence after a heart attack

• After having experienced a heart attack, the risk of a subsequent heart attack is higher than for someone who has never had one.
• In fact, a significant proportion of heart attacks occur in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Therefore, after the heart attack emergency, controlling risk factors is an important step to protect long-term health.

Quit smoking as early as possible

• Smoking is one of the factors that significantly increases the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
• The toxic substances in cigarette smoke damage blood vessel walls, promote blood clot formation, and make the heart work harder.
• Quitting smoking completely will help improve circulation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and enhance treatment effectiveness.

Control blood cholesterol

• Elevated LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") can cause atherosclerotic plaque to develop and narrow or block coronary arteries.
• The risk is even greater if high cholesterol is accompanied by:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Smoking.
• Maintain a healthy diet, take lipid-lowering medications as prescribed, and attend regular follow-up appointments to control these indicators.

Effectively control diabetes

• Prolonged high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
• If you have diabetes, you should:
  • Take medication as prescribed.
  • Monitor blood sugar regularly.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Maintain appropriate physical activity.
• Good blood sugar control significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Being overweight or obese increases pressure on the heart and is often associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.
• Losing weight if overweight will help:
  • Improve blood pressure.
  • Control cholesterol.
  • Stabilize blood sugar.
  • Reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction.
• Prioritize a balanced diet combined with regular exercise as directed by your doctor.

Proactively prevent to protect your heart

• After an acute myocardial infarction, lifestyle changes and good control of risk factors are as important as medication.
• Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar will help reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction, while improving quality of life and extending longevity.

Step 4: Change your lifestyle to protect your heart

Build a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of recurrence

• After having suffered a myocardial infarction, lifestyle changes are an important part of long-term treatment.
• Factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, chronic stress, and smoking all increase the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction.
• Maintaining good habits will help protect cardiovascular health and improve quality of life.

Limit saturated fat and trans fat

• Reduce consumption of foods high in saturated fat and trans fat, as they increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and promote atherosclerosis.
• Limit:
  • Deep-fried foods.
  • Fast food.
  • Industrial pastries.
  • Foods containing partially hydrogenated oils.
• Instead, prioritize vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits.

Effectively control cholesterol

• High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of myocardial infarction.
• To improve blood lipids, you should:
  • Eat plenty of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines to supplement omega-3.
  • Increase fiber from vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take cholesterol-lowering medication if prescribed by your doctor.
• Regular blood lipid checks help evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust healthcare plans.

Limit alcohol consumption

• Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure, cause arrhythmias, and affect the effectiveness of some heart medications.
• If you consume alcohol, follow your doctor's recommendations and avoid excessive drinking at once.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Keeping your body mass index (BMI) within a healthy range helps reduce stress on the heart and limits the risk of metabolic diseases.
• To control your weight, you should:
  • Eat a balanced diet with appropriate portions.
  • Limit foods high in sugar and fat.
  • Maintain regular physical activity.
• Losing weight if overweight will help reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction.

Exercise appropriately for your health condition

• After an acute myocardial infarction, discuss with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• You can choose light to moderate cardiovascular exercises such as:
  • Walking.
  • Swimming.
  • Light cycling.
• Start with low intensity and gradually increase according to your body's ability. The goal is to maintain a regular exercise habit rather than overexerting yourself.

Quit smoking as soon as possible

• Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial changes for people who have had a myocardial infarction.
• After quitting smoking, the risk of cardiovascular events will gradually decrease over time, and heart and blood vessel function will also improve.
• If you find it difficult to quit smoking, seek support from your doctor or smoking cessation programs.

Persevere with changes for long-term health protection

• No single measure can completely prevent recurrent myocardial infarction.
• Combining a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and adhering to treatment will help reduce the risk of complications, protect cardiovascular health, and improve quality of life for many years to come.

Important notes for preventing myocardial infarction

Call emergency services immediately if you witness someone having a myocardial infarction

• If you suspect someone is showing signs of a myocardial infarction, call emergency services immediately.
• While waiting for medical personnel to arrive, monitor the patient's condition and provide assistance as instructed by the emergency dispatcher.
• Prompt emergency care for myocardial infarction can determine survival and reduce heart muscle damage.

Prepare personal medical information

• People with cardiovascular disease or high risk should always carry:
  • Medical ID card.
  • List of medications currently being used.
  • Information about drug allergies.
  • Emergency contact number for a family member.
• This information helps medical personnel make quicker and safer treatment decisions in an emergency.

Always carry medication if prescribed by a doctor

• If you have coronary artery disease or angina and have been prescribed nitroglycerin or other emergency medications, carry them with you as directed by your doctor.
• People who need oxygen support should also prepare all necessary equipment when going out if prescribed.
• Do not self-medicate or share medication with others without medical advice.

Prepare means of communication if you are in a high-risk group

• Elderly people or those at high risk of myocardial infarction should carry a mobile phone to easily call emergency services when needed.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you need to have aspirin or other emergency medications readily available for specific situations.

Stay calm while waiting for emergency services

• If a myocardial infarction is suspected, try to stay calm and limit physical activity.
• If the patient feels hot or uncomfortable, they can gently cool their body with a cool towel while waiting for medical personnel, but do not delay calling for emergency services.

Symptoms are not always clear

• Some cases of myocardial infarction occur silently, with almost no typical symptoms.
• This is more common in the elderly, people with diabetes, and some women.
• Therefore, do not be complacent when the body shows unusual symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or mild chest pain.

Identify risk factors

• You are at high risk of a myocardial infarction if:
  • You are elderly.
  • You are overweight or obese.
  • You smoke.
  • You drink a lot of alcohol.
  • You have high cholesterol.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You have poorly controlled diabetes.
  • You have a history of cardiovascular disease.
• If you belong to this risk group, have regular health check-ups and discuss appropriate preventive measures with your doctor.

Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle

• To reduce your risk of a myocardial infarction, you should:
  • Eat plenty of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish.
  • Exercise regularly according to your physical condition.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Limit alcohol.
  • Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
• The goal of walking about 10,000 steps a day may be suitable for many healthy people, but people with heart disease should adjust the intensity according to their doctor's advice.

Do not self-administer daily aspirin

• Some people at high cardiovascular risk may be prescribed low-dose aspirin by their doctor to prevent cardiovascular events.
• However, aspirin also increases the risk of bleeding, so it should not be taken daily on your own without a doctor's assessment of benefits and risks.

Do not delay if you suspect symptoms

• If signs of a myocardial infarction appear, seek medical assistance immediately.
• The sooner treatment is initiated, the higher the effectiveness of myocardial infarction emergency care and the lower the risk of complications.

Do not perform "cough CPR" on your own

• Some online information suggests that people suffering from a myocardial infarction can save themselves by continuously coughing (also known as "cough CPR").
• Currently, this method is not recommended for self-management when a myocardial infarction is suspected in the community.
• When suspicious symptoms occur, the necessary action is to call emergency services immediately, rest, and follow medical personnel's instructions instead of applying unproven remedies.

Note

• The content above is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for diagnosis, advice, or treatment by a doctor.
• If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of a heart attack, seek medical attention or call emergency services immediately for evaluation and timely treatment.

References

1. American Heart Association. (2025). Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction). American Heart Association.
2. American Heart Association. (2025). Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. American Heart Association.
3. American College of Cardiology. (2025). Acute Myocardial Infarction Clinical Guidance. American College of Cardiology.
4. European Society of Cardiology. (2023). 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes. European Heart Journal.
5. Ibanez, B., James, S., Agewall, S., Antunes, M. J., Bucciarelli-Ducci, C., Bueno, H., et al. (2018). 2017 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation. European Heart Journal, 39(2), 119–177.
6. Levine, G. N., Bates, E. R., Blankenship, J. C., Bailey, S. R., Bittl, J. A., Cercek, B., et al. (2016). 2015 ACC/AHA/SCAI Focused Update on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 67(10), 1235–1250.
7. O'Gara, P. T., Kushner, F. G., Ascheim, D. D., Casey, D. E., Chung, M. K., de Lemos, J. A., et al. (2013). 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Circulation, 127(4), e362–e425.
8. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024). Heart Attack. National Institutes of Health.
9. MedlinePlus. (2024). Heart Attack. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
11. World Health Organization. (2023). Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). World Health Organization.
12. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025). Heart Attack: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.
13. Merck Manual Professional Edition. (2025). Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Merck & Co., Inc.
14. Braunwald, E. (Ed.). (2022). Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine (12th ed.). Elsevier.
15. Jameson, J. L., Fauci, A. S., Kasper, D. L., Hauser, S. L., Longo, D. L., & Loscalzo, J. (Eds.). (2022). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (21st ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Content edited by: Ashley Wright Nguyen.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Christopher Walker.