How to Recognize a Heart Attack and What to Do Next in 2023

A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and know what to do next.Kenyastax.com discusses the symptoms of a heart attack and how to prevent them as well as recommends a book written by Dr.Maybell Nieves that explains in detail about this topic.


Symptoms of a Heart Attack



The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. The pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or aching in the chest. It may also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath: You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, or you’re breathing heavily even when you’re resting.
  • Sweating: You may break out in a cold sweat or feel clammy.
  • Nausea or vomiting: You may feel nauseous or vomit.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Fatigue: You may feel very tired or weak, even if you haven’t been active.

It’s important to note that not all heart attacks cause chest pain. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may have different or more subtle symptoms.

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What to Do If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away. Time is crucial when it comes to treating a heart attack.

While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, you can take the following steps:

  • Sit or lie down: Resting can help ease the strain on your heart.
  • Chew and swallow an aspirin: Aspirin can help reduce blood clotting and improve blood flow to the heart.
  • Loosen any tight clothing: This can help you breathe more easily.
  • Stay calm: Anxiety or stress can make your heart work harder.

If you’re with someone who is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately and help them follow the steps above.

Preventing Heart Attacks

While some risk factors for heart disease, such as age and family history, can’t be changed, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart attack, such as:

  • Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart attack.
  • Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce your risk of heart attack.
  • Exercising regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart attack.
  • Managing stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or talking to a therapist, can help reduce your risk.



In conclusion, recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and knowing what to do next can save your life or someone else’s. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Taking steps to reduce your risk of heart disease can also help prevent a heart attack from happening in the first place.

Dr.Maybell Nieves has written a book called ” The Home Doctor – Practical Medicine for Every Household “.This book is a unique guide for the layman that you can use when help is not on the way or to manage common ailments that don’t require seeing a doctor.

In this book, how to manage most health situations (in this case a heart attack)when help is not on the way.

Submit your email below to get access to the book.

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