Cardiology expert outlines 16 first aid steps for acute heart attack

Dr. Khaled Al-Nemer, professor of cardiology and arterial catheterization, has outlined a list of home first aid steps for those experiencing an acute heart attack.

He explained that if you feel severe chest pain at home, you should immediately stop any activity, sit in a comfortable position, avoid walking or climbing stairs, and loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest if possible.

The list of actions includes calling the Red Crescent at 997 immediately, even if you are not certain the pain is heart-related. Do not wait for the pain to subside, and do not delay the call to check blood pressure, blood sugar, or search the internet.

Dr. Al-Nemer advised against driving yourself to the hospital, as fainting or a dangerous heart rhythm could occur en route. It is better to wait for the ambulance. Clearly inform the emergency operator about the severe chest pain, when it started, your age, exact location, and whether you have symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back.

Other recommendations include putting your phone on speaker and following the paramedic’s instructions without ending the call. If alone, stay on the line while seated, open the door, and have someone wait for the ambulance, especially in apartment complexes or upper floors. Do not leave the patient alone; ask someone to stay nearby until help arrives.

After calling for help: if the patient is conscious and the pain is not injury-related, the paramedic may advise chewing 162–325 mg of aspirin, provided there is no allergy, previous medical prohibition, or active bleeding. Nitroglycerin should only be taken if previously prescribed and as instructed by the doctor (usually a single dose; if pain persists after five minutes, do not delay calling for help). Do not use nitroglycerin if the patient has recently taken medication for erectile dysfunction, and inform the paramedic immediately, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Dr. Al-Nemer added that the patient should not eat, drink, smoke, take painkillers (such as ibuprofen), or self-administer extra blood pressure medication. Do not cough forcefully or hold your breath, as so-called 'cough CPR' does not treat heart attacks and delays seeking help. He stressed the importance of preparing a list of medications, allergies, and cardiac reports, but searching for them should not delay calling for emergency services.

If the patient loses consciousness and is not breathing normally: notify 997 and immediately begin strong, rapid chest compressions in the center of the chest, about 5 cm deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, allowing full chest recoil between compressions and without interruption except when an AED or emergency team arrives. (Chest compressions alone are sufficient if you are not trained in rescue breathing.) Use an AED if available, turn it on, and follow its voice instructions until the ambulance arrives.