3 More Ways to Stay Alive During a Heart Attack

In addition to the steps listed in the previous article, here are a few more important tips to stay alive during a heart attack.

1) Sit in a Reclined Position
If possible it is best to sit in a reclined position during a heart attack. This keeps you safe in case you are to become unconscious. If you are standing up and fall when you become faint you could seriously hurt yourself from the fall. The last thing you need is to fall and hit your head during a heart attack. You want to keep yourself as safe as possible until the paramedics arrive.

2) Take Your Prescribed Nitroglycerin
If you are prescribed nitroglycerin you should definitely take it during a heart attack. While nothing should prevent you from calling 911 as quickly as possible, nitroglycerin can immediately relax the blood vessels and help you get your circulation back on track. It can also help to relieve the chest pain you experience.

3) Asprin
If you are unable to take aspirin before the paramedics arrive they will have it ready for you. If you have time to get to some aspirin after you have called 911 than it is highly recommended. As a blood thinner, aspirin will help break the clot that is causing the heart attack by inhibiting platelets. Since the clot grows with every minute it is important to quickly take aspirin after you have dialed 911.

The most important thing to do during a heart attack is to recognize the symptoms and act quickly. Every second you wait increases the chance that the heart attack will be deadly. Call 911 immediately, start coughing, take an aspirin and sit somewhere safe until medical assistance arrives.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.