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.