Call emergency services immediately if the pain is severe, sudden, crushing, or lasts more than a few minutes
Stop activity and rest in a seated or lying position
Take prescribed nitroglycerin exactly as directed if you have it
Chew aspirin if advised by emergency guidance and you are not allergic and have no bleeding risk
Loosen tight clothing
Avoid driving yourself to the hospital
Seek urgent medical care if pain spreads to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder
Seek urgent medical care if pain comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fainting
Get evaluated promptly if the pain is new, recurrent, or unexplained
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan if you have known heart disease
Take prescribed heart medicines exactly as directed
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking
Avoid heavy exertion until cleared by a clinician
Use emergency care immediately if symptoms worsen or do not improve quickly