But people who think they may be having an attack need an extra 325 mg of aspirin, and they need it as quickly as possible. For the best results, chew a single full-sized 325-mg tablet, but don't use an enteric-coated tablet, which will act slowly even if chewed. And don't forget to call 911, then your doctor.
Yes. Taking aspirin during a heart attack is safe and recommended. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or emergency medical services.
Chew aspirin.
It prevents clotting and keeps blood flowing through a narrowed artery that's caused a heart attack. Don't take aspirin if you have chest pain due to an injury.
If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if there are no other options. Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed to you by a health care provider.
Heart attack signs and symptoms in men and women: Chest pain or discomfort; Shortness of breath; Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder; Feeling nauseous, light-headed, or unusually tired.
You should start to feel better 20 to 30 minutes after taking aspirin. Aspirin is an ingredient in combined medicines such as Anadin Original, Anadin Extra, Alka-Seltzer Original, Alka-Seltzer XS and Beechams Powders.
You want to call 911 if you are having sudden, crushing chest pain or if your chest pain radiates into the jaw or the left arm. You want to call 911 if your chest pain also causes shortness of breath, or dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
Aspirin works on platelets by stopping their clotting action. Since blood clots can block the arteries that supply blood to your heart, the anti-clotting action of aspirin means blood can flow more easily while you seek further medical help to take care of the blockage.
A heart attack may strike suddenly, but most people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks beforehand. One of the earliest warning signs of an impending heart attack is chest pain, or angina, that occurs repeatedly because of exertion and is then eased by rest.
Many people expect a heart attack to come on suddenly. But research suggests that women experience symptoms for several weeks before a heart attack. A study published in 2003 of 515 women who had experienced a heart attack, reports 80 percent of women had at least 1 symptom at least 4 weeks before their heart attack.
Aspirin does help the heart by thinning the blood and preventing clots from developing. These clots can block the flow of blood to the heart and cause a heart attack. Or they can flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
Aspirin slows the blood's clotting action by reducing the clumping of platelets. Platelets are cells that clump together and help to form blood clots. Aspirin keeps platelets from clumping together, thus helping to prevent or reduce blood clots. Most heart attacks and strokes are caused by blood clots.
Heart-related chest pain
Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in the chest. Crushing or searing pain that spreads to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms. Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse with activity, goes away and comes back, or varies in intensity. Shortness of breath.
Heart attack symptoms can last for days
The most common symptoms of a heart attack are [3]: Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Arm, shoulder, and/or jaw pain.
What should I do if I have chest pain? Don't ignore any type of chest pain or avoid getting treatment. If your chest pain is new, comes on suddenly, or lasts longer than five minutes after you rest or take medication, call 911 or have someone take you to the closest emergency room.
Also, do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine. This helps to prevent irritation that may lead to trouble in swallowing.
Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking ibuprofen if you take aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels.
Aspirin usually comes as 300mg tablets. The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets, taken every 4 to 6 hours.
Pre-Heart Attack Symptoms – Female
Men may feel pain and numbness in the left arm or the side of the chest. In women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. Women may experience unexplained exhaustion, or feel drained, dizzy or nauseous. Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw.
Signs of a heart attack include:
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. - Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. - Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. (If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.)
Symptoms of a mini heart attack are similar to a regular heart attack but last for a shorter time and include: Pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest. Pain, tingling, squeezing, or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath.
have ever had a blood clotting problem. have liver or kidney problems. have gout – it can get worse for some people who take aspirin. have heavy periods – they can get heavier with aspirin.