What to do if we have a heart attack? Complete guide

A heart attack can happen without warning, but quick and informed action can save your life. When your heart muscle stops getting enough oxygen-rich blood, heart tissue begins to die. This emergency situation requires immediate attention and you need to know how to respond to the first symptoms. Dr. Leah Mirsafai, a prominent cardiologist, believes that awareness and quick response can dramatically change the outcome. Stay with us to get a complete answer to the question "What should we do if we have a heart attack?" give you 10 necessary actions after a heart attack You should never ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. Many people experience tightness in the chest, pain that spreads to the arms or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or sudden fatigue. These symptoms are not always severe and do not always follow a specific pattern. But if you suspect a heart attack, you should act immediately. ### Step 1: Recognize the warning signs You should pay attention to what your body is telling you. A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest often initiates the alarm. Some people feel this pressure in the center or left side of the chest. It may last more than a few minutes or it may come and go. Shortness of breath is often accompanied by chest pain. Some patients do not feel chest pain, but experience sudden fatigue, dizziness, or cold sweats. Women in particular often report less common symptoms such as back pain, jaw pain, or indigestion. Dr. Leah Mirsafai always encourages patients to take any unusual symptoms seriously, especially if they have a history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking. ### Step 2: Call 911 immediately. You should never go to the hospital on your own during a heart attack. Instead, call 911 immediately. In the United States, call 911. The emergency team can start treatment even before reaching the hospital. They carry equipment and medications that can stabilize your condition. Try to stay calm while you wait for help. Sit back and relax. Avoid lying on your back and try to walk or climb stairs. If possible, have someone stay with you to keep you awake and monitor your condition. ### Step 3: If recommended, chew aspirin If you do not have an allergy or contraindication, chew an adult aspirin (usually 325 mg). This action helps to thin the blood and may reduce the severity of a heart attack. Dr. Leah Mirsafai recommends this step only if the symptoms clearly point to a heart attack and you have already called the emergency room. Never take aspirin if you have a known bleeding disorder or if your doctor has not prescribed aspirin in the past. Chewing the pill (rather than swallowing it whole) allows your body to absorb it more quickly. ### Step 4: Avoid physical activity You should not move. Physical stress increases the heart's need for oxygen, which worsens the damage. If possible, lie down and breathe slowly. If you feel weak or dizzy, ask someone for help. Focus on being alert and awake until help arrives. Dr. Leah Mirsafai tells her patients that any unnecessary activity during a heart attack can increase the risk of complications such as cardiac arrest. At this point you only need to think about survival – not your belongings or getting to the hospital alone. ### Step 5: Don't delay medical care. Some people seek help too late. They hope the pain will go away. Others feel embarrassed or unsure. But every second counts. You need to go to the hospital quickly so that doctors can restore blood flow to your heart muscle. The sooner you are treated, the more heart tissue doctors can save. Dr. Leah Mirsafai explains that the heart muscle starts to die within 30 minutes after blood flow is blocked. If you wait too long, your heart can be permanently damaged. ### Step 6: Follow hospital treatment protocols In the hospital, doctors often do an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to confirm a heart attack. They may also order imaging tests or perform emergency angioplasty to open blocked arteries. Your care team may use medications such as nitroglycerin, beta blockers, or thrombolytics (clot-dissolving drugs) depending on your condition. In some cases, they put a stent inside the artery to keep it open Dr. Lea Mirsafai participates in the healing process of each patient. She ensures that patients receive clear instructions, emotional support and guidance through the next steps. ### Step 7: Start cardiac rehabilitation After you leave the hospital, your recovery will continue. If recommended by your doctor, you should enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program. These programs include supervised exercise, dietary counseling, stress management, and heart health education. Dr. Leah Mirsafai encourages her patients to take rehabilitation seriously. Those who follow their rehab programs experience fewer heart problems in the future and have a better quality of life, he says. ### Step 8: Make lifestyle changes A heart attack should be an alarm. If you smoke, quit now. You should eat a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of salt, sugar and processed foods. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress. Dr. Leah Mirsafai often helps patients create realistic lifestyle plans. He does not believe in quick solutions. Instead, he promotes long-term habits that support cardiovascular health. ### Step 9: Take medications as directed After a heart attack, your doctor may prescribe several medications. You may need antiplatelet drugs, statins, ACE inhibitors, or beta blockers. These drugs help prevent another heart attack and manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rhythm. You should follow your medication schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Dr. Leah Mirsafai reminds her patients to never stop or change their medications without consulting their doctor. ### Step 10: Contact your cardiologist Your heart needs constant care. Schedule follow-up visits and keep your cardiologist informed of any new symptoms or side effects. Dr. Leah Mirsafai believes in building long-term relationships with her patients. He tracks their progress and adjusts their treatment plans if needed. You should never ignore even mild chest discomfort after a heart attack. Persistent symptoms can indicate a complication or other event. Final words In this article, the question "What should we do if we have a heart attack?" We answered. Surviving a heart attack depends on quick action, informed decisions, and ongoing care. Dr. Leah Mirsafai emphasizes the power of quick diagnosis, emergency response and long-term commitment to heart health. You hold the key to your recovery, and you can take control by knowing what to do and doing it without delay. If you or someone close to you is showing symptoms of a heart attack, do not hesitate. call Chew aspirin. keep calm Trust the experts. And when the crisis is over, begin the journey to a stronger, healthier heart.