Heart Attack Warning Signs: What to Do While Waiting for the Ambulance

This is general awareness information, not a substitute for medical diagnosis. If you or someone near you shows these signs, the right move is to call for emergency help immediately — don't wait to see if symptoms pass.

Common warning signs

• Chest pain, pressure, or a squeezing sensation, often in the center or left side of the chest
• Pain spreading to the arm (especially the left), jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
• Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
• In some cases — especially in women — symptoms can be less typical, such as unusual fatigue or discomfort without classic chest pain

What to do immediately

• Call for an ambulance right away — don't try to drive the person yourself if avoidable
• Have the person sit down, rest, and stay as calm as possible
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest
• If they take prescribed heart medication (like nitroglycerin) and it's been prescribed for this purpose, help them take it as directed
• If the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, and you're trained in CPR, begin chest compressions immediately

Why calling an ambulance matters more than driving yourself

Paramedics can begin monitoring and, if needed, treatment the moment they arrive — something a private car can't provide. An ambulance can also navigate traffic more effectively and communicate ahead with the receiving hospital, so the cardiac team is prepared before arrival. If you call us for a suspected cardiac event, we dispatch a cardiac-equipped ambulance and can talk you through immediate steps over the phone while help is on the way.

After the immediate emergency

Even if symptoms ease before help arrives, it's still important to get checked — some cardiac events don't resolve fully with rest, and follow-up care matters regardless of how symptoms feel in the moment. This is general guidance; always follow your doctor's specific advice for your health history.