What action should you take if you encounter an adult who is conscious but showing signs of a heart attack?

When encountering an adult who is conscious and showing signs of a heart attack, encouraging them to sit down, call for emergency help, and keep them calm is the most appropriate action. This approach ensures that the individual is in a position that reduces stress on the heart by avoiding exertion, which could worsen their condition. Sitting down also helps prevent the risk of fainting or falling, which is critical during a heart attack.

Calling for emergency help is vital because professional medical intervention is necessary for a heart attack. Keeping the individual calm helps minimize anxiety and reduces the heart rate, which is important during such a crisis. This level of calmness can also aid in their overall stability until help arrives.

Other options, like providing water or encouraging them to lie down, may not address the immediacy and severity of the situation. They could also potentially complicate matters, especially if the individual requires immediate medical treatment or if their condition worsens.