Signs of a Heart Attack

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

The following are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:   

• Severe pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes   
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw   
• Chest pain that increases in intensity   
• Chest pain that is not relieved by rest or by taking nitroglycerin   
• Chest pain that occurs with any/all of the following (additional) symptoms:
  • Sweating, cool, clammy skin, and/or paleness       
  • Shortness of breath       
  • Nausea or vomiting       
  • Dizziness or fainting       
  • Unexplained weakness or fatigue       
  • Rapid or irregular pulse

Although chest pain is the key warning sign of a heart attack, it may be confused with indigestion, pleurisy, pneumonia, or other disorders.  

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can develop suddenly. However, they also can develop slowly—sometimes within hours, days, or weeks of a heart attack.

If you think you might be having heart attack symptoms, don't ignore them.  Call 911.   Rapid treatment is essential.