What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Not all heart attacks begin with a sudden, crushing
pain that is often shown on TV or in the movies. The warning signs and symptoms
of a heart attack arent the same for everyone. Many heart attacks start
slowly as mild pain or discomfort. Some people dont have symptoms at all
(this is called a silent heart attack).
Chest Pain or Discomfort
The most common symptom of heart attack is chest
pain or 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.
It can be mild or severe. Heart attack pain can sometimes feel like indigestion
or heartburn.
The symptoms of
angina can be similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Angina is pain in
the chest that occurs in people with
coronary artery disease, usually when they’re active. Angina pain
usually lasts for only a few minutes and goes away with rest. Angina that
doesn’t go away or that changes from its usual pattern (occurs more
frequently or occurs at rest) can be a sign of the beginning of a heart attack
and should be checked by a doctor right away.
Other Common Signs and Symptoms
Other common signs and symptoms that a person can
have during a heart attack include:
- Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the
back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath may often occur with or
before chest discomfort
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting,
lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat
Not everyone having a heart attack experiences the
typical symptoms. If youve already had a heart attack, your symptoms may
not be the same for another one. The more signs and symptoms you have, the more
likely it is that youre having a heart attack.
Act Fast
Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a heart attack
happen suddenly, but they can also develop slowly, over hours, days, and even
weeks before a heart attack occurs.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can
act fast to get treatment for yourself or someone else. The sooner you get
emergency help, the less damage there will be to your heart.
Call 911 for help within 5 minutes if
you think you may be having a heart attack or if your chest pain doesnt
go away as it usually does when you take prescribed medicine.
Dont drive yourself or anyone else to the
hospital. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving
treatment on the way to the emergency room. |