What is the first treatment tried for heart attack?

The priority is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible when a heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected. The exact medicines and procedures depend on the electrocardiogram result, symptoms, examination, and medical history.

A heart attack, also called myocardial infarction, happens when part of the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow. An electrocardiogram records the heart's electrical activity and can show patterns that help the emergency team decide what needs to happen next.

Staff also check breathing, circulation, blood pressure, and the character and timing of symptoms. Blood tests and repeat electrocardiograms may be used because changes can develop over time.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure, tightness, pain, or discomfort that is new, severe, persistent, or accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or faintness. Do not drive yourself to hospital; emergency teams can start assessment during transport.

Sit or rest in a safe position while waiting, if you can. Tell responders about the symptoms, when they began, medicines you take, allergies, and any heart history. Only take medicine on the advice of an emergency clinician or a clinician who knows your situation.

Treat possible heart-attack symptoms as an emergency even if they improve and return. Seek emergency help urgently for chest discomfort spreading to an arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach, or for sudden breathlessness, collapse, or a cold sweat.

Symptoms can be less typical in some people, including unusual tiredness, indigestion-like discomfort, or unexplained nausea. A prompt clinical assessment is safer than waiting to see whether these symptoms settle.

Ask what the electrocardiogram showed, whether further blood tests or imaging are needed, and what symptoms should prompt another emergency call. If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of early heart disease, ask how they can be addressed in your follow-up plan.