Step 2: Stop All Activity and Sit in a Safe Position

Do not attempt to walk around, climb stairs, or drive yourself to a hospital. Any physical effort can worsen the damage.

• Sit on the floor or on a firm chair
• Lean slightly forward
• Stay as calm as possible and focus on breathing slowly

This posture reduces strain on the heart and lowers your risk of collapsing in a dangerous location.

Step 3: Take Aspirin (If You Are Not Allergic and Have Been Advised It Is Safe for You)

A chewable aspirin tablet (usually 160–325 mg) can help slow blood clotting, which is often the cause of a heart attack.

Important:

• Only take aspirin if you are not allergic
• Do not take ibuprofen or other painkillers
• Chew it rather than swallowing for faster absorption

Step 4: Unlock Your Door and Prepare for Medical Responders

If you feel your condition worsening:

• Unlock your front door
• Keep your phone within reach
• Sit or lie in a position that prevents falling

What You Should Not Do

There are many viral techniques online claiming to help during a heart attack, but major medical organizations do not recommend them.

Avoid the following:

• Forceful coughing (“cough CPR”)
  This method is not safe for home use and can worsen your condition.
• Striking the chest
  A chest blow is not a self-resuscitation technique and can cause injury.
• Pressing points on the hand
  No evidence shows this affects heart rhythm or improves survival.
• Driving yourself to the hospital
  Many deaths occur behind the wheel. Always call emergency services instead.

These methods can create false hope and delay real treatment.