Hopefully you never have to use this guide, but preparing for something this critical can be lifesaving.  First and foremost, make a plan and discuss it in advance with your family, your friends, your coworkers and, of course, your doctor.

Then you can rehearse this plan, just like a fire drill. Talk about heart attack warning signs and the importance of acting fast by calling 9-1-1 within a few minutes (5 at the most) if those signs persist.  Explain to them that you will be treated faster if they call 9-1-1 rather than driving you to the hospital themselves.

Keep it simple. Know the warning signs. Keep information–such as what medications you’re taking–in one place.

Act Quickly!

Call 9-1-1 immediately. Don't ignore the pain or discomfort. If you think you are having heart problems or a heart attack, get help immediately. The longer you wait to get medical treatment, the greater the chances you will have severe, permanent damage to your heart or even die.  Many treatments are most effective if given within 1 to 2 hours of when the heart attack begins. It is important to call emergency services because research shows that people who arrive at the hospital via ambulance are treated sooner than those who get there by their own means. Plus, everyone on the road makes way for an ambulance. An ambulance has trained medical staff and life-saving equipment to stabilize you if your condition worsens.

Chew an Aspirin

After calling for help, you should chew an aspirin (162 mg to 325 mg) to help prevent further clots developing. A chewed aspirin gets into the bloodstream more quickly than one swallowed whole.  Enteric-coated or buffered aspirin is not absorbed as easily as regular aspirin.  But if that is the only type of aspirin you have, crush the tablet before swallowing. (Don't take the aspirin if you're allergic to it)

Nitroglycerin

If you’ve already had a heart attack, ask your physician about having nitroglycerin available in the event of a subsequent attack. If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin pills, you should follow your doctor’s orders. If you are not sure about how to take your nitroglycerin when you get chest pain, check with your doctor.

Information to Have Available

Find out the location of the nearest hospital that offers 24-hour emergency cardiac care and keep the address handy.  The American Heart Association recommends that doctors give a copy of the resting ECG to patients who have heart disease or who are at high-risk for a heart attack.  If you have a copy of your resting ECG, give it to the emergency department doctors to help guide your treatment.  Make a list of medications you are taking and/or are allergic to.  This will help ensure that you receive the appropriate treatments.