Symptoms of Heart Attack

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Minutes matter! Learn the warning signs to familiarize yourself in case of an emergency.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Symptoms of heart disease which may lead to a heart attack. You may be experiencing cardiovascular problems if you notice that ordinary physical activity causes you to experience the following symptoms:

• Undue fatigue
• Palpitations --- the sensation that your heart is skipping a beat or beating too rapidly
• Dyspnea --- difficult or labored breathingView an animation of angina
• Chest pain --- chest pain or discomfort from increased activity
  • Angina pectoris also called stable angina or chronic stable angina
  • Unstable angina

Learn more about Heart Health at the American Heart Association website.