Treatment

• Call 911 or your local emergency number. Don't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other option.
• Take aspirin, if recommended. Aspirin helps prevent blood clotting. Taking aspirin during a heart attack may reduce heart damage. Don't take an aspirin unless your healthcare professional or emergency medical operator says to do so. Don't wait to call 911 so you can take an aspirin. Call for emergency help first.
• Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you have a prescription for this medicine, your healthcare professional should have told you when and how to take it. Do not take someone else's nitroglycerin.
• Start CPR if the person doesn't have a pulse or isn't breathing. If you're not trained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard and fast on the person's chest. Do this about 100 to 120 times a minute. If you're trained in CPR and confident in your skills, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths.
• Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is nearby and the person is not conscious. The machine gives shocks when needed to help the heart beat as it should. An AED gives clear voice instructions. The machine gives shocks only when it's safe and needed.