A heart attack is one of the most serious medical emergencies, and it often strikes without warning. In those critical moments, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, many people lose valuable time because they ignore early symptoms, panic, or wait for the pain to subside on its own.
This detailed guide explains exactly what to do during a heart attack, how to recognise warning signs early, what actions save lives, and why immediate expert cardiac care is essential. Insights shared in this article align with best practices followed by leading cardiologists, including Dr. Gautam Naik, widely regarded as the best Cardiologist in Delhi at Apollo Hospital.
A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This blockage is most often caused by a blood clot forming over a ruptured cholesterol plaque inside a coronary artery.
When the heart muscle does not receive oxygen-rich blood, it begins to suffer damage within minutes. The longer the blockage remains untreated, the greater the damage—and the higher the risk of complications or death.
This is why cardiologists stress one simple rule:
“Time is muscle.”
The faster treatment begins, the more heart muscle can be saved.
Heart attack symptoms are not the same for everyone. Some people experience intense pain, while others have subtle or unusual symptoms. Knowing the full range of warning signs is crucial.
Ignoring these early signs is one of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes.
The very first step is to call for emergency help as soon as you suspect a heart attack. Do not wait to “see if the pain goes away.”
Emergency medical teams can:
Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.
The moment symptoms begin:
This helps reduce strain on the heart and prevents collapse due to dizziness or low blood pressure.
Panic increases heart rate and oxygen demand, which can worsen the situation.
Take slow, deep breaths and try to remain as calm as possible while help is on the way.
If you are not allergic and have not been advised otherwise by a doctor:
Aspirin helps thin the blood and may slow the growth of the clot blocking the artery. It is a simple step that can significantly improve outcomes when taken early.
If you have a history of heart disease and have been prescribed:
Take it exactly as directed while waiting for emergency help. Do not take medications that were not prescribed to you.
This improves comfort and breathing while waiting for medical assistance.
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
Every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage.
If someone suffering a heart attack collapses and stops responding:
Early CPR and defibrillation can double or even triple survival chances until professional help arrives.
Modern cardiology offers highly effective treatments for heart attacks—but only if patients reach the hospital on time.
Early intervention can:
Procedures such as emergency angiography, angioplasty, and stent placement are most effective when performed within the “golden window” after symptom onset.
During a heart attack, the experience of the cardiologist and the capability of the hospital play a crucial role.
Dr. Gautam Naik, recognised as the best Cardiologist in Delhi at Apollo Hospital, is known for his expertise in managing complex cardiac emergencies and performing advanced interventional procedures.
Under experienced leadership and with access to state-of-the-art cardiac infrastructure, patients receive:
Such expert management significantly improves survival rates and long-term heart health.
Surviving a heart attack is only the first step. Long-term recovery requires commitment and medical guidance.
Patients are usually prescribed medicines to:
Strict adherence is essential.
A heart-healthy lifestyle includes:
These changes dramatically reduce the risk of future heart events.
Structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes help patients:
Ongoing monitoring by a cardiologist ensures:
While not all heart attacks can be prevented, many can be avoided by:
Prevention and early diagnosis remain the strongest weapons against heart disease.
A heart attack is sudden, frightening, and life-threatening—but knowledge saves lives. Recognising early symptoms, acting immediately, and reaching expert care without delay can dramatically change outcomes.
With timely emergency response and specialised treatment from experienced cardiologists like Dr. Gautam Naik, patients can not only survive a heart attack but also return to a healthy, active life.
Remember:
If chest discomfort or unusual symptoms appear—don’t wait, don’t guess, don’t delay. Act immediately.
