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Portuguese Phrase

Acho que tá tendo um ataque cardíaco.

/ˈa.ʃu ki ta ˈtẽ.du ũ aˈta.ki kaʁ.dʒiˈa.ku/
Meaning"I think I'm having a heart attack."
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Meaning

This phrase literally means 'I think I'm having a heart attack.' However, it's very commonly used in an exaggerated, informal way to express extreme shock, fear, anxiety, or even intense excitement, rather than a literal medical emergency. It conveys a strong feeling of being overwhelmed.

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When to use

You can use this phrase in two main contexts: literally, if you suspect a medical emergency (though you'd likely call for help rather than just state it). More often, it's used informally and hyperbolically among friends or family to express intense surprise, stress, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by a situation, like 'I'm so stressed, I think I'm having a heart attack!'

✦Grammar Breakdown

Acho quetá tendoum ataque cardíaco

1

Acho que

'Acho que' translates to 'I think that' and is the most common way to express an opinion or belief in informal Brazilian Portuguese. It's often preferred over 'Eu penso que'.

2

tá tendo

'Tá' is the informal contraction of 'está' (from the verb 'estar', to be). 'Tendo' is the gerund of 'ter' (to have). Together, 'tá tendo' forms the present progressive, meaning 'is having' or 'am having' in an informal context.

3

um ataque cardíaco

'Um' is the indefinite article 'a/an'. 'Ataque cardíaco' is the standard term for 'heart attack' in Portuguese. Note the masculine article 'um' for 'ataque'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Você viu o preço daquele carro novo?

Did you see the price of that new car?

Vi! Acho que tá tendo um ataque cardíaco só de pensar!

I did! I think I'm having a heart attack just thinking about it!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Eu penso que estou tendo um ataque cardíaco.

    While grammatically correct, 'Eu penso que' is less common than 'Acho que' for expressing opinions or beliefs. Also, 'estou' is more formal than 'tá' in this informal context.

  • Acho que está tendo um ataque cardíaco.

    Using 'está' instead of 'tá' makes the phrase sound more formal. 'Tá' is the common informal contraction of 'está' and fits the hyperbolic nature of the expression.

  • Acho que tá tendo um ataque do coração.

    While 'ataque do coração' is understandable, 'ataque cardíaco' is the standard and more common medical term in Portuguese.

↔Alternatives

  • Estou tendo um ataque cardíaco.

    I am having a heart attack.

  • Estou passando mal.

    I'm feeling unwell.

  • Vou ter um infarto!

    I'm going to have a heart attack!

pt

Cultural Tip

Brazilians often use hyperbole to express strong emotions, and this phrase is a prime example. It's common to hear people say 'Vou morrer!' (I'm going to die!) or 'Vou ter um treco!' (I'm going to have a fit!) in non-literal situations. The use of 'tá' (a contraction of 'está') is very common in informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, reflecting a relaxed communication style among peers. While the phrase can be used literally, its frequent hyperbolic use means context is key to understanding the speaker's true intent.