'Keep These Drugs in Your Emergency Kit' to Save Life from a Heart Attack, Doctor Advises on Instagram

A post on Instagram, by a doctor advising about measures to be taken to save life of a person showing heart-attack symptoms, has gone viral. Dr Amandeep Aggarwal, a senior general physician based in Sangrur, Punjab, urged patients prone to heart attack to keep some vital drugs in their emergency kit to save their lives. The drugs mentioned are: Dispirin 325 mg (blood thinner), Clopidogrel 75 mg (antiplatelet), and Atorvastatin 40 mg (stabilises plaque and prevents it from worsening).

It is advisable to consume these drugs as soon as the patients experience a sudden pain in the chest, pain in the jaw, left arm, or upper back, sweating, nausea, and breathlessness, as this could save their lives before reaching the hospital. The doctor cautions, however, that the drugs are not the replacements for medical aid, and getting the patients treated by a doctor in a hospital with sufficient facilities is imperative.

He wrote, "Heart attack doesn't wait. But YOU can be prepared." For the uninitiated, the first 30 minutes of a heart attack are crucial, and over this time, the doctor says, certain medicines can help improve the survival rate, reduce heart muscle damage and buy crucial time until one reaches the hospital.

Steps To Take During A Heart Attack

Doctors recommend the following actions:

Call emergency services without delay.
Keep the patient seated upright to ease pressure on the heart.
If the patient collapses, begin CPR (chest compressions) and continue until medical help arrives.
Experts also warn that poor sleep, smoking, stress, and unhealthy diets are main reasons for the increased heart attack rates. For example, sleeping less than six hours regularly can raise the chance of heart problems. Doctors advise healthier habits and regular check-ups to lower the risk.

Heart Attack Statistics in India

India is facing one of the world's most severe cardiovascular health crises. According to recent studies, coronary artery disease accounts for almost 20% of all heart-related deaths worldwide, and India contributes a large share of this. Alarmingly, Indians tend to develop heart problems 5 to 10 years earlier than people in many other countries.

In Western nations, only about 23% of heart disease and stroke deaths happen before the age of 70; in India, the figure is 52%, highlighting the onset of heart disease among youths. The Apollo Health of the Nation 2025 study also shows a worrying picture, pointing to silent risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease that often remain undetected until a heart attack or other complication occurs.

Doctors warn that the combination of job insecurity, long working hours, and poor work-life balance is driving the rise in cardiac arrests among young professionals. This trend is particularly visible in urban areas, where fast-paced lifestyles and processed food consumption are common.

Disclaimer: This article, including any health or fitness guidance, is intended for general information only. It should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice. For any specific concerns or diagnosis, please consult a qualified healthcare specialist.