What should you do if you suspect a patient is having a heart attack?

When suspecting a patient is having a heart attack, the recommended action is to encourage them to chew and swallow aspirin, provided it is not contraindicated. Aspirin is beneficial during a heart attack because it acts as an antiplatelet agent, helping to prevent further clotting that can exacerbate the situation. By chewing the aspirin, it can act more quickly, allowing it to enter the bloodstream faster than if swallowed whole.

In a heart attack scenario, time is of the essence, and quick thinking can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival and recovery. By providing aspirin, you are not only helping to alleviate the severity of the situation but also preparing the individual for more advanced medical treatment that they will soon need.

Other options, while well-meaning, don't provide the same level of immediate benefit in a cardiac emergency. Asking the patient to take deep breaths and relax might help in certain situations but does nothing to address the underlying issue of a heart attack. Offering water can lead to choking and is not advisable if the individual is having significant distress. Performing CPR is necessary only in cases where the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, which is a critical step, but it does not address the initial management of a suspected heart attack before that stage is