A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm having a heart attack" in Italian
Use this urgent phrase to signal a severe medical emergency, like a heart attack, in Italy.
Sto avendo un infarto!
stoh ah-VEHN-doh oon een-FAR-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
This is for a genuine, life-threatening emergency. Use it if you or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack and needs immediate medical help.
Alternatives
- Ho un attacco di cuore!Slightly less common, but still understandable for a heart attack.
- Aiuto! Ho un problema serio!More general cry for help when the exact issue isn't clear but it's serious.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'attacco di cuore' for a heart attack
'Attacco di cuore' is a direct translation but 'infarto' is the standard medical term used in Italy.
Mispronouncing 'infarto'
Ensure the 'f' is clearly pronounced and the stress is on the second syllable: een-FAR-toh.
A small cultural note
While 'infarto' is the correct term, in a moment of panic, any clear cry for help will be understood. Italians are generally very responsive in emergencies.
Frequently asked
Can I use this for less serious chest pain?
No, reserve 'Sto avendo un infarto!' for a suspected actual heart attack. For general pain, use a phrase like 'Ho un forte dolore al petto.'
