Table 2 Summary of the study themes and sub-themes

The onset of symptoms

Sudden onset of symptoms

I was eating dinner, suddenly, I felt like the weight of a mountain on my chest. I could see my death. This should tell how it felt (p:31)

The gradual development of the symptoms

I had a headache for a few days; I could not eat or do anything. It was not continuous; no, I just had to rest. It would hurt when I would get up (p: 38)

The types of

Chest symptoms

I had the worst world pain in my chest; it was pounding in my left hand. … Squeezing my heart (p: 28)

Non-chest symptoms

I felt suffocated, found it very difficult to breathe, sweated a lot, and my body was weak. I thought I must have gotten the Corona (p: 18)

Symptomless

I was getting prepared for the surgery (knee surgery)… not sure what happened; they referred me here for a heart problem (p: 19)

Response to symptoms

Using home remedies

I put a hot brick on my shoulders to help relieve it (pain) (p: 25)

Ignoring symptoms

In older age, you should not pay too much attention to pain; otherwise, you should be in the hospital all the time. You always have pain somewhere (p: 27)

Hiding symptoms

I did not tell anyone about my symptoms. Why should I bother others? Take me to the doctor, buy me medicine, cook for me, I want to rest… (p: 34)

Making the decision to seek medical help

I look after myself. Doctors are here to help us; all these equipment and nurses are here to help us, to take care of us (p: 29)

The pain came, I screamed, my son came to the room, I said I am dying, call the ambulance. It (ambulance) came pretty fast (p: 24)

Arriving at the hospital

Arriving by ambulance

It would be dangerous to come (to the hospital) by ourselves. In an ambulance, you are with a health team member, equipment,….(p:37)

Using a personal vehicle

Our house is over that street; walking is even faster than calling an ambulance…like explaining to the operator….. (p: 23)