Heart Attack Warning Signs
Learning to Recognize a Heart Attack Could Save Your Life
Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. But lives could be saved if more heart attack victims got help sooner.
Here is the most important thing to know: Call 9-1-1 immediately if heart attack symptoms appear. Every second counts when it comes to saving a heart, so don't delay!
Doctors have medicines and procedures that can stop some heart attacks in progress, reduce damage to the heart and ultimately save lives. But those life-saving treatments need to be given soon after symptoms first appear.
How to Recognize a Heart Attack
So, what are the signs of a heart attack? Most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort, according to the American Heart Association. Here are some of the warning signs, according to the American Heart Association.
- Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain) that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and returns
- Discomfort in the upper body, like the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness