Being alone during a medical emergency is scary, and during a heart attack, it can be deadly. When no one else is there to notice your symptoms, call 911, or tell you something is wrong, it’s easier to second-guess what you’re feeling and lose precious time.
As Dr. Kaustubh Dabhadkar, a cardiologist with Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Mint Hill, says, “Time is muscle.” Meaning: During a heart attack, every second counts because blocked blood flow causes heart muscle to die.
Most importantly — you do not have to be certain you’re having a heart attack to get help. If something feels seriously off, it’s better to call 911 and be evaluated than to wait too long. We asked Dabhadkar how to recognize the signs of a heart attack when you’re alone, what to do first, and what mistakes to avoid.
Exceptional cardiovascular care.
Why is it more dangerous to have a heart attack when you’re alone?
The biggest reason is the delay in medical care. If you don’t understand what’s happening, you can’t seek the help you need. It’s common for people to try to sleep it off or to say, ‘Let me lie down and see if that helps.’
Because it’s common to have that delay in care, many people pass out — either because they aren’t getting enough blood to other parts of the body due to the heart attack, or their heart stops altogether.
What do people get wrong most often when deciding whether to call for medical help?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming severe symptoms are the only symptoms that matter.
“The symptoms you experience don’t always correspond to the severity of the problem you’re having,” Dabhadkar said.
You do not need to be in extreme pain for the situation to be dangerous. If something feels unusual and you cannot clearly explain it, it is worth getting checked out.
What symptoms should you never ignore when you’re alone?
It’s very important to be familiar with the possible symptoms of a heart attack. When we’re alone, it’s easy to write off what we’re feeling, whereas a spouse or family member might tell us that we really should go to the hospital. So in a situation where it’s just us, it’s crucial we act as our own best advocates.
Here are some common — and not so common — heart attack symptoms to look out for.
- Chest pain
- Heartburn-like discomfort, especially if you do not have a history of heartburn and have not eaten anything that would explain it
- Jaw pain
- Shoulder pain
- Cold sweats
If I’m at home and wonder if I’m having a heart attack, what should I do?
First, think: Is this typical for me? Have I had symptoms like this before? If you can’t completely explain what’s happening, call 911. Call them first — do not call a friend or family member and then 911. Do not wait to see if the pain goes away. Getting help quickly can be the difference between life and death.
If you are physically able while waiting for first responders, Dabhadkar recommends that you:
- Leave the door unlocked or open.
- Put pets away.
- Keep a list of your medical conditions and medications in an easy-to-find place, such as on the refrigerator.
That will help first responders care for you when they arrive.
Should you lie down and wait it out if you think you’re having a heart attack?
Heart attack vs. cardiac arrest: What’s the difference?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. During a heart attack, the heart muscle can be damaged because blood flow to it stops, but it usually keeps beating. A heart attack is a circulation problem.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, so blood stops flowing to the brain and body. A cardiac arrest is an immediately life-threatening electrical problem with the heart.
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but not all heart attacks lead to cardiac arrest, and not all cardiac arrests have heart attacks before them.
No. It won’t fix what’s going on. The same is true for sitting under a fan if you’re sweating, or sitting up if you have crushing chest pain. You need to get help as soon as possible.
Does “cough CPR” help during a heart attack?
No. A viral social media myth suggests that coughing during a heart attack can keep your heart beating. The idea comes from situations in very specific, monitored hospital settings in which patients with certain types of arrhythmias are instructed to cough forcefully.
However, coughing can’t manage or correct the chaotic rhythms of most patients experiencing a heart attack, and it can’t prevent someone from having a heart attack. It’s simply not something that works for people at home or in everyday life.
What factors put people at higher risk for a heart attack?
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for a heart attack, and family history matters, too. That’s why it’s important to talk with relatives and learn about your family’s heart health history. Other risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean a heart attack is inevitable. Healthy lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and working closely with your primary care provider to manage chronic conditions, can all help lower your risk.
What can people who live alone do to be prepared for the possibility of having a heart attack?
Dabhadkar recommends that people of all ages do the following to prepare for the possibility of having a heart attack while alone.
- Know your family history.
- Have important phone numbers easy to access.
- Keep a clear list of your medical conditions and medications where first responders can find it.
- Use a medical ID bracelet or your phone’s medical ID feature, if possible.
Having aspirin at home may also be helpful. If your doctor has said it is safe for you, taking up to 324 mg (four 81 mg tablets) of baby aspirin may help make treatment easier if you suspect a heart attack. If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, keep it nearby to use as prescribed.
Most importantly, do not wait to seek help. If something feels wrong, call 911 immediately.
