What to Do If Alone During a Heart Attack — Doctor Tips

Important takeaway: Act fast and call for help

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide, and immediate action can be lifesaving. Dr. Christabel Akinola highlighted a real case in which quick thinking and rapid access to professional care dramatically improved a patient’s chance of survival. If you’re alone and suspect a heart attack, your fastest path to survival is to contact emergency services right away and begin steps that buy you time while help is on the way.

1) Call emergency services immediately

The single best first move is to call your local emergency number and say you may be having a heart attack. When the dispatcher is aware of the situation, they can guide you, alert responding teams, and arrange transport to the appropriate hospital. If you can, put the call on speaker so you can follow instructions with both hands free. Share your exact location, current medications, and any allergies. Do not drive yourself to the hospital unless there is absolutely no alternative; an ambulance can begin life-saving treatment on the way and ensure you reach the right center promptly.

2) If you’re conscious and not allergic, chew aspirin

Chewing a non-coated adult aspirin (typically 162–325 mg, about 300 mg in many guidelines) can speed absorption and reduce clot progression. Do this only if you are conscious, not allergic to aspirin, and not at risk for bleeding problems. Waiting for hospital care while you chew aspirin can contribute to better short-term outcomes; several large studies show a meaningful reduction in cardiovascular mortality when aspirin is taken promptly after symptom onset.

3) Debunk: breathing exercises or “cough CPR” aren’t substitutes for professional care

Some online advice promotes “cough CPR” or deep-breathing techniques to keep someone conscious before help arrives. Major resuscitation bodies do not endorse these as a safe substitute for emergency response in a suspected heart attack, especially when you’re alone and unsupervised. While controlled breathing and staying calm can help with anxiety and comfort, they do not treat the underlying blockage or provide definitive care. Do not delay calling emergency services while attempting self-help techniques that aren’t evidence-based for a heart attack.

4) Leg elevation is for comfort, not treatment

Raising the legs—such as lying with knees bent and feet supported—can improve venous return and may help if you feel lightheaded. This is a supportive, comfort-focused measure while awaiting help, not a treatment for the blocked artery causing a heart attack. Prioritize getting professional care and following medical guidance once responders arrive.

5) Stay as calm as possible to limit the heart’s workload

Panic triggers adrenaline that raises heart rate and blood pressure, increasing oxygen demand. Slow, measured breathing, sitting or lying down, loosening tight clothing, and maintaining contact with a dispatcher or a friend who’s aware of your situation can reduce anxiety and help manage symptoms while you wait for help.

6) Practical preparedness if you live alone

Proactive steps can make a real difference. Keep your phone within reach, store your emergency numbers, and consider a medical ID or clear list of medications and allergies. If you live alone, ensure doors are accessible for responders, and share your plan with a trusted neighbor or relative who can assist if needed. These small preparations help ensure responders can reach you quickly and deliver care without delays.

Bottom line

Experts agree: in a heart attack, time is the critical currency. The fastest route to survival is to call emergency services immediately, consider aspirin if appropriate, and follow the dispatcher’s guidance while professionals arrive. While supportive measures like leg elevation can be comforting, they don’t replace urgent medical treatment. By preparing in advance and acting decisively, you maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, even if you’re alone.