Does it matter whether you lie down, sit, or stand during a heart attack? Absolutely.
Heart attacks can be fatal if not addressed quickly. If you or someone near you shows symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, taking quick action is extremely important. A significant aspect of first aid during a heart attack is positioning the person correctly. While instinct might tell you to lie flat to keep the body still, doing so can actually worsen the situation and make the heart attack more dangerous.
Lying flat during a heart attack can negatively affect how the diaphragm moves, exacerbate fluid buildup in the lungs and strain the heart even further. These complications can escalate rapidly, making it harder for the person to breathe and for their body to circulate blood effectively. The right position eases the strain on your heart, prevents further complications, and improves blood flow.
Now how do you know the best position for a heart attack? Sitting upright with your back supported and knees slightly bent is often the safest choice. This position reduces pressure on your heart and lungs while keeping blood flowing efficiently. Lying flat can worsen symptoms by making it harder for your heart to pump effectively. Moreover, standing can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falling.
Read on to explore the best positions to maintain and what else you should do and not do during a heart attack episode.
What Happens During Heart Attack?
A heart attack (medically termed myocardial infarction) happens when there is a cut-off of the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your heart. It causes the heart muscle cells to die, which weakens the functioning of your heart. If the restricted blood flow is not restored quickly, the damage can be fatal.
Heart attack episodes are triggered by a blockage in one of the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to your heart. The common cause behind this is plaque, a fatty substance that can accumulate in the walls of your arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis starts when the inner walls of your arteries become damaged. This can occur due to factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol. Once the arteries are damaged, a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood begin to stick to the walls. This forms plaques that thicken and narrow the arteries, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs like the heart and brain.
Why Does Your Body Position Matter During a Heart Attack?
When you suffer a heart attack, your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is compromised due to a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. In such circumstances, you need to focus on the proper body position that will minimize the strain on the heart and maximize circulation.
Inappropriate positioning can worsen your symptoms, increase strain on the heart, and possibly lead to consequences such as cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. For instance, When you’re lying flat on your back, the diaphragm’s movement becomes restricted. This restriction can make it harder to take deep breaths, and in the context of a heart attack, it can lead to shallow breathing.
Moreover, When you lie flat, gravity causes the fluid to pool in the lower parts of the lungs, where it can have the most significant effect on breathing. This makes it harder to oxygenate your blood and can worsen the feeling of breathlessness.
Here’s why taking a seat may be the best heart position for people suffering from heart attack:
Improves Blood Pressure and Flow
Your heart pumps blood through arteries to your body and back to your heart through veins. Blood pressure determines how forcefully blood moves and your body position affects both pressure and flow.
For example, when you stand, blood pressure decreases, and less blood flows to your heart because gravity pulls more blood to your legs. It could be due to reduced venous return, which refers to the amount of blood returning to the heart from the lower parts of the body.
Venous return is the process by which blood from the body’s extremities returns to the heart through the veins. When you’re lying down or sitting, blood flow back to the heart is more efficient, as there is less gravitational pull working against it. However, when you stand up, gravity pulls blood toward the lower body, and the veins in the legs have to work harder to return this blood to the heart.
In a healthy heart, this isn’t a problem, as muscles in the legs contract to push blood upwards, and the heart pumps efficiently to handle the increased flow. But during a heart attack, the heart’s ability to pump effectively is compromised. This can lead to a reduced venous return meaning less blood is making it back to the heart and less oxygen is circulating throughout the body, particularly to the brain.
Decreases Fluid Buildup in the Lungs
A heart attack can slow blood flow in your circulatory system. This may cause shortness of breath as blood starts to pool in the left side of your heart. When this happens, fluid can leak into your lungs, leading to a condition called pulmonary edema. Sitting upright can help here. Gravity works in your favor, keeping fluid from building up in your lungs. This can make it easier to breathe and reduce some of the pressure on your heart.
Reduces the Occurrence of Other Complications
Ensuring the best position for a heart attack will also reduce your risk of experiencing other severe medical issues, such as:
- Aspiration
Aspiration occurs when some object accidentally enters your airway or lungs, like a piece of food, in the wrong way. During a heart attack, it can occur because of your wrong position. It might cause immediate choking and can also lead to a bacterial infection called aspiration pneumonia. Staying upright reduces this risk.
- Falls
Accidental falls can occur when you cannot stabilize yourself and pass out during a heart attack, leading to significant injury. Sitting in a stable position lowers the chance of injuring yourself if you faint.
Read More: Your Guide to Using the Recovery Position as First Aid
What is the Best Position for a Heart Attack?
In most cases, sitting down is considered the best position for a heart attack, as it reduces the pressure on your heart. If possible, you can also sit against the wall, bed, or couch. It will decrease the risk of unexpected fall injury if you lose consciousness. However, for people with existing heart failure or severe atherosclerosis, the risks of standing during a heart attack are even greater. These individuals already have compromised cardiovascular systems, which makes them more prone to issues like low blood pressure, poor circulation, and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Let us explore some suitable positions to rest yourself if you are experiencing a heart attack.
Sit Upright with Support (Half-Sitting Position)
The best position during a heart attack is sitting upright with your back supported. You can sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean against a wall or use a sturdy chair. This position helps reduce the strain on your heart by allowing gravity to assist blood circulation.
Sitting upright also makes it easier to breathe. It opens up your chest and diaphragm, letting your lungs expand properly. This improves oxygen flow to your brain and other vital organs. Additionally, this position reduces the risk of choking if vomiting occurs, which is a common reaction during heart attacks. The upright posture can even ease chest pain, particularly the sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, by lessening the pressure on your heart. Encouraging calm, slow breathing and ensuring they avoid any quick movements can help prevent further strain on the heart.
Lean Forward Slightly (If Comfortable)
Another option is to sit upright but lean forward slightly, especially if you feel more comfortable that way. Leaning forward can reduce pressure on the heart by decreasing the resistance it faces from surrounding tissues. This lightens the heart’s workload and can provide some relief.
Leaning forward also helps with breathing. It allows your chest cavity to expand more, making it easier to take in air. However, this position isn’t ideal for long periods, as it could strain your breathing. The key is to find a slight forward angle that feels natural and doesn’t make it harder to inhale. Stick to what feels most stable and comfortable for you. If you experience any worsening symptoms or feel uncomfortable, return to a more upright position.
Steps to Take While Waiting for Medical Help
The first and most important step in any heart attack scenario is to dial 911 and call for medical help. Emergency responders can provide advanced medical interventions that can save lives. Once a person is in the appropriate position during a heart attack, follow the below steps until the emergency responders arrive:
Position the Person Correctly
Help the person sit upright with their back supported and knees bent. This position eases the strain on the heart, improves blood flow, and makes it easier to breathe. Avoid lying the person flat, as it can worsen symptoms like shortness of breath.
Loosen Tight Clothing
Remove or loosen anything that restricts breathing, such as tight collars, belts, or scarves. This will make the person feel more comfortable and help them breathe more freely.
Monitor Symptoms and Collect Information
Take note of the person’s symptoms, such as chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. Write down any medications they are taking, allergies, or existing medical conditions. This information is important for paramedics when they arrive.
Take Aspirin
If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, taking one regular aspirin can help improve circulation. It can also reduce the severity of the heart attack. However, keep in mind that aspirin is only safe if there are no contraindications, such as allergies or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Stay Calm
The best thing you can do is to remain as calm as possible. Anxiety and panic attacks can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and overall strain on the heart. Focusing on deep, slow breaths reduces stress and minimizes the heart’s workload. The more relaxed you are, the less work your heart has to do.
What Not to Do During a Heart Attack?
In a heart attack emergency, certain actions can worsen the situation and delay the administration of medical care. Here are some things to avoid to give your body or the person you are helping the best chance to recover:
Do Not Indulge in Physical Activity
When you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, make sure to avoid any form of physical exertion, including standing up or walking around. Having symptoms of dizziness, vision changes, and unsteady walking patterns are the signs indicating that you should stay put. Moving around increases your heart’s oxygen demand, which can lead to further complications. Avoid places near stairs or places with sharp objects, as it will make your condition worse if you are about to fall. Moreover, sudden actions or unnecessary stress can elevate the heart rate and blood pressure, potentially intensifying the situation. Therefore even if you are not feeling pain, panic can worsen the symptoms and lead to quick, shallow breaths or increased heart rate.
Do Not Eat Anything
During a heart attack, don’t eat anything. Drinking a few sips of water might be okay, but make sure to prevent yourself or the other person from taking anything through the mouth. It includes medications that aren’t specifically prescribed to respond to heart attacks or other cardiovascular conditions.
Do Not Lie Down Flat
You can lie down if you’re feeling faint or weak during a heart attack. However, in certain cases, it can be harmful as it can worsen the condition. Lying flat can also create a push on the diaphragm, which makes it harder for you to take deep, oxygenating breaths. Moreover, if you vomit during a heart attack, lying flat increases the chances of choking or aspiration.
What to Do If Someone Loses Consciousness?
If the individual loses consciousness, call the emergency services again to report the change in their condition. You may be instructed to administer CPR for a heart attack and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. In fact, most sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home, yet CPR is initiated by a family member or bystander only 40% of the time.
Call Emergency Services Again
If the person passes out, call emergency services immediately to update them on the situation. Let them know the person is now unconscious, as this could indicate cardiac arrest. They may guide you on the next steps, including starting CPR.
Be Ready to Administer CPR
Chest compressions will keep your blood pumping to your branding and other organs. Push down two inches at the center of the chest, and allow the chest to return to its normal pistons before pressing again. You can aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Use an AED
If an AED is nearby, use it immediately. Follow the instructions provided on the device. An AED delivers a controlled shock to restart the heart’s rhythm. These devices are simple to use and often found in public spaces, such as malls, offices, and gyms.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Heart Attacks and CPR
Ways to Prevent Heart Attack
Rapid medical intervention improves your chances of surviving a heart attack. However, certain lifestyle changes will help you prevent the occurrence of the episode from happening. Let us explore some ways to keep your heart healthy and in shape.
- Choose Good Nutrition
Add healthy meals and snacks to your diet to prevent heart attack and its complications. Be sure to consume a planet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with omega-3 rich foods to get proper nutrition. Limit intake of sugar, salt, and processed foods as it might contribute to heart disease.
- Stay Active
Engaging in regular physical activity will help you stay active and keep up a healthy weight. As a result, you will be able to lower your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.
- Get Proper Sleep in the Right Position
While a good night’s sleep is better for overall health, the position you sleep can impact your heart health. The best sleeping position for the heart is where you get quality, comfortable sleep. However, if you have sleep apnea, sleeping on your back will increase the risk of airway obstruction, leading to lapses in breathing.
- Avoid Stress
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks. It can cause spikes in blood pressure, increase inflammation in the arteries, and worsen underlying conditions like atherosclerosis. Practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack over time.
Read More: How to Improve Heart Health Quickly and Naturally
Stay Prepared to Respond During a Heart Attack!
A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Although you should always seek immediate help from professionals, knowing the best position for a heart attack can also improve your chances of survival and comfort. Sitting upright with support and leaning forward slightly if comfortable during a heart attack can better manage physical stress, alleviate pain, and improve oxygen flow. Avoiding lying down or moving around ensures that your heart can function as efficiently as possible.
Heart attacks are unpredictable, so you should always be prepared. Sign up for proper CPR training to learn to respond promptly and effectively, potentially improving your outcome while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best position to sit during a heart attack?
The best position for a heart attack is a half-sitting position. When you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack, make sure to sit on the floor with your knees bent and your back pressed against a wall. You could place cushions behind you or under your knees. This position will ease the strain on your heart and reduce the risk of unexpected injury if you collapse.
- Should you lie down during a heart attack?
Yes, you can lie down during a heart attack if you find the position comfortable. However, resting will not alone stop a heart attack. In certain cases, it might worsen the symptoms. The best way to prevent further damage is to get prompt medical treatment. Contact emergency services as soon as possible rather than waiting for the symptoms to go away by themselves.
- Should you elevate the legs when having a heart attack?
Of course, you can elevate your legs during a heart attack episode to improve blood circulation back to your heart against gravity. This will reduce stress on the heart muscles, mitigating swelling and bringing oxygenated blood to the limbs. To get the position right, sit on the floor with your feet on the ground. Now, raise your legs to a 90-degree angle to the rest of your body.
- What is the best thing to do during a heart attack?
Here are the best emergency steps that should be taken to survive a heart attack.
- Call 911 if you think you or someone experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack.
- Stay calm and rest. Panicking over the situation will worsen the symptoms.
- If you are trained and confident in your ability, you can administer CPR.
- You can also use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if the person is unconscious.
