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People often do not want to worry their loved ones, but it is imperative that they know what is going on if you suspect that you are having a heart attack. The situation could worsen to the point that you are unable to respond effectively. Inform them at the first signs of a heart attack so they can begin caring for you. If you are not around friends or family, try to inform anyone else who is around of your condition. It is important that someone knows what is happening to you. Aspirin is a blood thinner and can help in case of a heart attack. You should chew it, instead of swallowing it, because chewing it will cause it to reach your bloodstream more rapidly. Do not substitute the Aspirin for another painkiller.  A standard dose of approximately 325 mg should be sufficient. Evidence suggests that coated, enteric aspirin, which allows for slow absorption of the drug, is still beneficial to those suffering from a heart attack. There is reason to suspect, however, that un-coated aspirin are probably more effective.  Do not take aspirin if you are allergic to it, have stomach ulcers, recent bleeding or surgery, or another reason for which your doctor has told you not to take aspirin. Other painkillers like Ibuprofen, opioids, and Acetaminophen do not share the same properties and should not be administered in case of a heart attack. . To increase your chances of survival, call 911 within 5 minutes of when you first develop symptoms. Three minutes of even light chest pain is a good indication that what you are experiencing is, in fact, a heart attack and that you should seek emergency medical attention. If you are also experiencing shortness of breath, numbness, or severe pain, call immediately. The sooner you call the better. If you are behind the wheel, get off the road. You could lose consciousness and endanger the lives of others. If there are other people around you, do not ask them to drive you to the hospital. It is best to be taken by the EMTs.  Response teams can get you to the hospital more rapidly than your family. They also have equipment in the ambulance that will allow them to treat you before you make it to the hospital. The only instance when you should drive to the hospital is when you are unable to reach emergency support through 911. If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, take it when you feel symptoms of a heart attack. It will open up blood vessels and reduce chest pain. Anxiety will increase the amount of oxygen that your heart demands. This will make it more likely that you will experience severe complications. Lie down and try to rest.  Take full, deep breaths to improve oxygen flow and calm yourself down. Do not take short, quick breaths or hyperventilate. Breathe in slowly and comfortably. Remind yourself that help is on the way.  Repeat soothing phrases like “Help is on the way,” or, “Everything will be alright” in your head. Loosen tight or restrictive clothing. CPR is imperative if you lose your pulse. Ask around for someone who is willing to perform CPR. If no one knows it, find someone who is willing to be coached on by the 911 operator.  If the person giving you CPR does not know proper form, it is generally best that they refrain from giving mouth to mouth. They should stick to chest compressions, pushing down on your chest at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute.  There is no evidence that self-administered CPR during a heart attack is effective. By the point that CPR is imperative, you will already be unconscious.
Alert others. Chew an Aspirin. Call 911 Refrain from driving. Take nitroglycerin. Lie down and relax. Ask someone to perform  CPR.