If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, the most important step is to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for medical help, it is crucial to try to remain calm and minimize physical exertion to avoid further straining the heart.
The best position is to sit down in a comfortable chair or on the floor, leaning against a wall or another stable surface for support. Keep your knees bent and your head and shoulders slightly elevated if possible. This position is often referred to as the “W position,” where you are sitting up with support, which can help to alleviate pressure on the heart and make breathing easier, Via Healthline.
Avoid lying flat on your back unless you are feeling faint, as this position can put additional strain on your heart. If you are alone and start to feel extremely weak, and lightheaded, or think you might lose consciousness, lying down on your side in a fetal position can help prevent injury from a fall and ensure your airway remains open if you pass out.
It’s essential to loosen any tight clothing to avoid constricting your chest and making breathing more difficult. Try to remain as calm as possible, taking slow, deep breaths to help decrease your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, which can be beneficial in a heart attack scenario.
Remember, these measures are temporary while waiting for emergency medical services. The most crucial action is to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else may be experiencing a heart attack.
The Recommended Position
In the event of a heart attack, ensuring comfort and minimizing the workload on the heart is crucial. Healthcare experts recommend adopting a seated position with a slight lean back, ensuring the back is well-supported and the knees are bent. This posture is beneficial as it lessens the heart’s workload. Opting to sit rather than lie down is preferable, as the seated position utilizes gravity to aid in blood circulation, facilitating the heart’s ability to distribute blood throughout the body.
A widely endorsed method is to sit on the floor, using a wall or a sturdy chair for back support, with the knees drawn up and the head and shoulders propped up. This specific posture can alleviate some of the heart’s burden and provide a measure of comfort amidst the discomfort associated with a heart attack.
What Not to Do
While there’s a recommended position, there are also several actions and positions that should be avoided during a heart attack:
Do Not Lie Flat: Lying down flat can put additional strain on the heart as it works harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: This includes trying to walk around or doing physical tasks. Strenuous activities increase the heart’s workload, which is the last thing you want during a heart attack.
Don’t Ignore the Pain: Attempting to “tough it out” can lead to worsening conditions. Acknowledge the pain and act quickly by calling emergency services.
Do Not Eat or Drink: It might be tempting to drink water or take aspirin if you think it’s a heart attack. While aspirin can be beneficial, it should only be taken if advised by a medical professional on the call, as misdiagnosis could lead to complications.
Avoid Cough CPR Myths: There’s a widespread myth that coughing vigorously can stop a heart attack. This advice is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous. The best action is to remain as calm as possible and wait for professional medical help.
