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PhrasesCalling AmbulanceSta avendo un infarto!
A2urgent

Sta avendo un infarto!

He/she is having a heart attack!

Pronunciation

in-FAR-to — stress on second syllable. 'Sta avendo' — present progressive.

When to use it

Report suspected heart attack immediately. Time is critical — every minute without treatment increases heart damage.

What it means

'Sta avendo' = is having (present progressive). 'Infarto' is the Italian word for heart attack (myocardial infarction). Signs: chest pain ('dolore al petto'), pain radiating to left arm ('dolore al braccio sinistro'), jaw pain ('dolore alla mascella'), shortness of breath, cold sweating ('sudore freddo'). Also: 'attacco cardiaco' is understood but 'infarto' is more commonly used.

Variations

Ha il dolore al petto e al braccio sinistro.

He has chest pain and pain in his left arm.

Classic heart attack symptoms — give these details to the dispatcher

Sta sudando freddo e non riesce a respirare.

He is sweating coldly and cannot breathe.

Accompanying symptoms that confirm cardiac emergency

Ha già avuto problemi di cuore in passato.

He has had heart problems in the past.

Medical history — relevant and helpful for dispatch and paramedics

Mini Dialogue

— Pronto, 118. Mio marito sta avendo un infarto! — Come fa a saperlo? — Ha un forte dolore al petto. Dice che gli pesa come un macigno. Suda freddo. — Sta respirando? — Sì, ma fa fatica. È pallido. — Bene. Lo faccia sedere. Non lo lasci muovere. Arriveremo subito. — Presto, per favore!

— Hello, 118. My husband is having a heart attack! — How do you know? — He has a strong chest pain. He says it weighs like a boulder. He is sweating coldly. — Is he breathing? — Yes, but with difficulty. He is pale. — Good. Sit him down. Do not let him move. We will be there right away. — Please hurry!

Cultural Note

Italy's 'rete cardiologica' (cardiac network) is a coordinated system where 118 dispatchers can directly activate cardiac catheterisation labs ('emodinamica'). For STEMI (major heart attack), the target is 'door-to-balloon' time under 90 minutes. Major Italian hospitals have 24/7 cardiac intervention services ('UTIC — Unità di Terapia Intensiva Coronarica'). Calling 118 immediately for suspected heart attack is essential — driving to the hospital wastes critical time.