Learn the Warning Signs of Heart Attack

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack can save your life or the life of someone you love. Every minute matters during a heart attack, so knowing what to look for and acting quickly is crucial.

Classic Heart Attack Symptoms

The most common warning signs include:

Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest. It may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Upper Body Pain: Pain or discomfort may spread beyond the chest to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
Shortness of Breath: This may occur with or without chest discomfort and can be the only symptom.
Cold Sweat: Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason.
Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy, faint, or unusually tired.

Symptoms May Differ in Women

Women may experience heart attacks differently than men:

Women are more likely to have symptoms other than chest pain.
Common symptoms in women include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Women may describe chest discomfort as pressure or tightness rather than pain.
Unusual fatigue and sleep disturbances may precede a heart attack in women.

What to Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack

Time is critical. Follow these steps:

Call 911 Immediately: Don't drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin life-saving treatment en route.
Chew an Aspirin: If not allergic, chew one regular aspirin (325 mg) or four low-dose aspirins while waiting for help.
Stay Calm: Sit or lie down and try to remain calm.
Unlock the Door: If alone, unlock your door so emergency responders can enter.
Don't Delay: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, it's better to call 911 and be wrong than to wait and be right.

Warning Signs That May Precede a Heart Attack

Some people experience warning signs days or weeks before a heart attack:

Unusual fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Shortness of breath with normal activities
Indigestion or heartburn-like symptoms
Anxiety or sense of impending doom

Don't Ignore the Signs

Many people delay seeking treatment because they're unsure if symptoms are serious, don't want to bother anyone, or hope symptoms will pass. This delay can be deadly. Heart muscle dies with every passing minute during a heart attack, so prompt treatment is essential to save heart muscle and your life.