Heart Attack Symptoms

What are the signs of a heart attack? Do you know them? Suppose one of your colleagues at work began to experience one or more of the signs. Suppose a spouse or other loved one showed 3 signs of a heart attack. Suppose you began to have heart attack symptoms.

What are the signs of a heart attack? It is important to know them, and to know what to do when you see or feel them.

Signs of Heart Attack

Heart attacks sometimes happen suddenly and dramatically. In such cases, both the victim and those around know exactly what is happening.

Most heart attacks, however, are not dramatic. They begin slowly. The victim may feel mild pain or simply a vague discomfort. He or she may have no idea what is wrong. If they knew these signs of a heart attack, they could call for emergency help before it was too late.

So what are the signs of a heart attack?

1. Chest discomfort or pain: Most people who are experiencing a heart attack sense discomfort or pain in the center of the chest. The pain continues for more than a few minutes. Sometimes, the pain stops, and then returns. Some people describe this sign of heart attack as feeling like too much pressure, as though an elephant had stepped on the chest. Some say it is a squeezing feeling, much like a vice tightening around the chest. Still others say the chest feels full or hurts.

2. Shortness of breath: With this sign of heart attack, you may or may not have chest discomfort or pain.

3. Other discomfort or pain: An often misunderstood sign of heart attack is the pain or discomfort felt in other upper body parts. This might be pain or an uncomfortable feeling in one or both arms. The victim may complain of the back, neck, or jaw hurting. Even pain or discomfort in the stomach can be a sign of heart attack.

4. Other signs: In addition to the 3 signs of heart attack above, the heart attack victim may have other signs. There may be lightheadedness or nausea, with or without vomiting. The victim may break into a cold sweat.

Get Help Immediately!

What are the signs of a heart attack? Chest discomfort, with or without one or more of the other signs above. If you or someone you are with experiences these signs, get help immediately. Wait no longer than 5 minutes at most. Calling 9-1-1 is almost always better than trying to drive to a hospital.