How to Rule Out Heart Attack at Home?

You cannot reliably rule out a heart attack at home

Call emergency services immediately if you have chest pressure, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw

Do not drive yourself to the hospital if heart attack is possible

Rest and stop all activity

If you are not allergic and have no bleeding disorder or active bleeding, chew one regular-strength aspirin only if a clinician has previously told you it is safe for you

If symptoms are severe, new, or last more than a few minutes, treat them as an emergency

If you have nitroglycerin prescribed for chest pain, take it exactly as directed

If symptoms improve, still seek urgent medical evaluation

If symptoms are not present now but you had recent concerning chest discomfort, arrange same-day medical care

The only way to rule out a heart attack is with medical evaluation, ECG, and blood tests

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