Introduction
A heart attack is most commonly caused by
a sudden blockage of the blood supply to the heart
muscle itself, for example a blood clot. The main risk is that the
heart will stop beating.
Recognition and treatment
Look for
- Persistent central chest pain - often
described as vice-like or a heavy crushing pressure
- Pain spreading (radiating) to the jaw, neck
and down one or both arms
- Breathlessness
- Discomfort high in the abdomen, similar to indigestion
- Possible collapse without warning
- Ashen skin and blueness at the lips
- Rapid, weak pulse which may be irregular
- Profuse sweating, skin cold to the touch
- Gasping for air (air hunger)
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
Sit them down
- Sit them in the 'W' position:
- semi-recumbent (sitting up at about 75° to the ground) with
knees bent.
Call for help
- Call 999/112 for emergency help and tell ambulance control you
suspect a heart attack.
Give an aspirin
- If available and not allergic, give them a 300mg
aspirin tablet to chew slowly (provided they
are not under 16 years of age)
- If they have any medication for angina, such as tablets or
a spray, assist them to take it
- Constantly monitor and record breathing and pulse rate,
until help arrives
- If they become unconscious, refer to the treatment for someone
unconscious but breathing.
Related topics
Next steps
Take a first aid course
The advice provided in this section is no substitute for proper
first aid training.
St John Ambulance holds first aid courses throughout the
country. The following courses cover this topic:
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