Think someone is having a heart attack?
Call 999 immediately. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve - early treatment saves lives.
📞 Call 999Main Warning Signs
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Pressure, squeezing, tightness, or pain in the centre of the chest. May last more than a few minutes or come and go.
Pain Spreading to Arms
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, especially the left arm. May also spread to jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing, with or without chest discomfort. May feel like you can't catch your breath.
Cold Sweat
Breaking out in a cold, clammy sweat for no obvious reason.
Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling sick or actually being sick, sometimes mistaken for indigestion.
Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy, faint, or unusually tired.
Symptoms Can Be Different in Women
Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, and extreme fatigue - sometimes without obvious chest pain. Don't dismiss these symptoms.
What to Do
- Call 999 immediately Say "I think this person is having a heart attack"
- Help them sit down A comfortable position, often sitting up with knees bent, is best. Support their back.
- Keep them calm Reassure them that help is on the way. Loosen any tight clothing.
- Give aspirin if available See aspirin guidance below - only if they're not allergic
- Be ready to give CPR If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, start CPR
Aspirin Guidance
If the person is not allergic to aspirin and it's available, give them a single 300mg aspirin tablet to chew slowly while waiting for the ambulance.
Do NOT give aspirin if: they're allergic, they're under 16, or they're already on blood thinners (ask them or check their medication).
Do NOT:
- Wait to see if symptoms go away - call 999 immediately
- Drive yourself or them to hospital - wait for the ambulance
- Give aspirin if they're allergic or already on blood thinners
- Leave them alone unless you need to call for help
- Let them eat or drink anything other than water
Why Speed Matters
During a heart attack, blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. The longer the blockage, the more heart muscle is damaged.
Treatment within 90 minutes of symptoms starting gives the best chance of recovery.
Download
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Save or print this guide