Treating a Heart Attack

Once doctors confirm that you are having a heart attack, they will begin the appropriate treatment. Depending on how severe the heart attack was, the treatment may be relatively simple, or may involve surgery and other complicated procedures.

Immediate Treatments

* If you are not breathing and have no pulse (cardiac arrest), paramedics or ER staff will use a combination of CPR, drugs and possibly electric shock in an attempt to bring you back to life.

* You will be given oxygen by paramedics and ER staff. The oxygen is delivered either through a mask, or with a small tube that inserts part of the way into the nose (a nasal cannula). If you have stopped breathing, they will insert a breathing tube to assist your respirations.

* Paramedics or ER staff will also give you aspirin, if you haven't already taken some at home. If you are allergic to aspirin, take blood thinners, or have a history of ulcers, they may skip the aspirin.

* If you are having chest pain, paramedics or ER staff may give you nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a drug that increases blood flow to the heart. This in turn can ease your chest pain if it's related to your heart. It is sprayed under the tongue, or given under the tongue in tablet form. It lowers blood pressure, so you won't get any if your blood pressure is too low. People who take erectile dysfunction drugs can't take nitroglycerin either, so don't be surprised or embarrassed if they ask you about this beforehand.

* Morphine is another drug that paramedics or ER staff may consider giving you right away. It makes chest pain feel better, and also dilates blood vessels. This helps blood and oxygen circulate to the heart more freely.

After the Emergency Department

Once the ER staff have stabilized you, doctors will consider anti-clotting medications. These medications thin the blood and prevent clots of cholesterol and other artery-clogging substances from blocking the blood flow to your heart. Aspirin is considered an anti-clotting medication. Some other common medications include:

* Clopidogrel, a more potent anti-clotting drug than aspirin.

* Heparin, a blood thinner.