When to see a doctor

Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack. Take these steps:

Call for emergency medical help. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if there are no other options.

Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as instructed while awaiting emergency help.

Take aspirin, if recommended. Taking aspirin during a heart attack may reduce heart damage by preventing blood clotting.

Aspirin can interact with other drugs. Don't take an aspirin unless your care provider or emergency medical personnel say to do so. Don't delay calling 911 to take an aspirin. Call for emergency help first.

What to do if you see someone who might be having a heart attack

If someone is unconscious and you think they're having a heart attack, first call 911 or your local emergency number. Then check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If the person isn't breathing or you don't find a pulse, only then should you begin CPR.

If you're untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard on the person's chest — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute.

If you're trained in CPR and confident in your ability, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths.