Cardiac
Heart Attack
Heart attack signs include chest pain or pressure, often spreading to the jaw, arm or back. Call 000 immediately, sit the person down, loosen clothing and give 300 mg of aspirin if they are not allergic.
Heart attack signs include chest pain or pressure, often spreading to the jaw, arm or back. Call 000 immediately, sit the person down, loosen clothing and give 300 mg of aspirin if they are not allergic.
Recognise a heart attack
- Chest pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing
- Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arm, back or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, sweating, dizziness, light-headedness
- Pale, clammy skin
Symptoms can be vague in women, the elderly and people with diabetes — when in doubt, call 000.
What to do
- Call 000. Do not let the person drive themselves.
- Help them sit down in a comfortable position (often half-sitting, knees bent).
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Give 300 mg of aspirin (one adult tablet or 4 x 75–100 mg) to chew, unless they are allergic, bleeding heavily, or have been told not to take aspirin.
- If they have prescribed angina medication (GTN spray or tablets), help them use it.
- Reassure them and monitor closely.
- If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR and attach an AED as soon as it arrives.
Heart attack vs cardiac arrest
A heart attack is a blocked artery — the person is usually conscious. A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops — the person collapses and is not breathing normally. Cardiac arrest needs immediate CPR and an AED.
Questions & answers
What does a heart attack feel like?
Central chest pain, pressure or heaviness lasting more than 10 minutes, often spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back, with sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Symptoms can be subtle, especially in women.
Should I give aspirin?
If the person is alert, not allergic and not bleeding, give 300 mg of aspirin (one adult tablet) to chew and swallow while waiting for the ambulance.
Should I drive them to hospital myself?
No. Always Call 000 — paramedics can start treatment in the ambulance and divert directly to a cardiac centre.
Related topics
CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is performed on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute, adjusting depth and technique for adults, children and infants.
AED — Automated External Defibrillator
An AED delivers an electric shock to restart a heart in cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — turn it on, attach the pads as shown, and follow the voice prompts.
Stroke — The FAST Test
Use the FAST test for stroke — Face drooping, Arms weakness, Speech slurred, Time to call 000. Every minute counts; lay the person down with head slightly raised and give nothing by mouth.
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