What to do during a heart attack when home alone according to a heart surgeon

Heart attacks are a major cause of death around the world and in India, accounting for roughly 20 percent of global heart attack deaths. The World Heart Federation reports that India recorded 3,165,172 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2024. If someone has a history of heart disease, knowing what to do during an emergency is vital.

Emergency Steps

US-based heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London shared advice on Instagram for anyone experiencing a heart attack while home alone. The first step is to call emergency services right away, dialing 112 or 108 in India. Next, if it is nighttime, people should turn on porch lights so emergency workers can find the house easily. Dr London also advised unlocking or opening the front door so medical staff can enter if the patient becomes incapacitated. After securing the door, patients should sit down or lie down with their feet elevated in a comfortable spot where breathing is easiest, ensuring they are in a safe, stationary position to avoid head injuries if they pass out. Patients should also call family or friends to inform them that emergency help is on the way. Finally, unless they have an aspirin allergy, active bleeding, or a doctor told them not to, patients can chew a single non-enteric-coated aspirin of 162 to 325 milligrams while waiting for help.