Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The National Heart Attack Alert Program notes these major symptoms of a heart attack.

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling nausea or light–headedness.

Warning signs every woman should know

• Chest pressure or pain which may come and go
• Upper body pain (shoulders, arms, neck, back, jaw or teeth)
• Stomach pain which may feel like heartburn
• Light-headedness, dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual or unexplained fatigue
• Anxiety

If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately.

Source:  Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/HeartDisease/signs_symptoms.htm