The sooner the treatment begins, the better the chance the person will survive. The most important initial treatment is to stop the pain. Taking an aspirin as early as possible after the onset of pain is very important. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner. Other blood thinners are used once the person arrives in an emergency department .
Some blood thinners are very powerful.
These medications can actually dissolve the clot that is blocking the artery and causing the heart attack. Oxygen will be given to the individual through a face mask or a tube with prongs inserted into the nostrils. This increases the oxygen available to the heart muscle and helps minimize damage to the heart tissue. A medication known as nitroglycerin is administered to reduce the work of the heart. Morphine may be given as well to decrease pain, calm the person, and reduce the work the heart has to do.