Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

Heart attack signs ¹

• 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.

Heart attack signs in women

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It may last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
• As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience some other uncommon symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone else experiences any of these signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately! Learn More by visiting the American Heart Association’s website

Read our presentation on Early Heart Attack Care and the signs of heart attack. 

¹ American Heart Association website

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