A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, often due to a buildup of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This blockage deprives the heart of oxygen, causing damage or death to heart tissue. Recognizing the signs early and responding quickly can save lives and reduce heart damage.
Here are 7 key signs of a heart attack to watch for, along with guidance on how to respond effectively.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or aching in the center or left side of the chest. This discomfort often lasts more than a few minutes or may come and go. It can feel like a heavy weight or tightness pressing on the chest.
2. Pain or Discomfort in Other Upper Body Areas
Pain or discomfort can spread beyond the chest to the shoulders, arms (one or both), neck, jaw, back, or upper stomach. This radiating pain may be subtle and sometimes mistaken for indigestion or muscle strain. Women in particular may experience pain in the neck, jaw, or back rather than classic chest pain.
3. Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing can occur with or without chest discomfort. It may feel like you can’t catch your breath or are breathing faster than normal. This symptom often accompanies other signs and indicates the heart is struggling to pump effectively.
4. Cold Sweat, Nausea, or Vomiting
Breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling nauseous, or vomiting are common heart attack symptoms. These signs may be mistaken for other conditions but should raise concern, especially if accompanied by other heart attack symptoms.
5. Lightheadedness, Dizziness, or Fainting
Sudden dizziness, feeling faint, or lightheadedness can indicate inadequate blood flow and oxygen to the brain due to heart dysfunction. This symptom requires immediate attention, especially if combined with chest pain or shortness of breath.
6. Unusual or Extreme Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak without a clear cause can be an early warning sign, particularly in women. This fatigue may appear days or weeks before other symptoms and is often overlooked.
7. Anxiety or a Sense That Something Is Wrong
Some people experience intense anxiety or a feeling of impending doom during a heart attack. This symptom can mimic a panic attack but should never be ignored if it occurs with other heart attack signs.
How to Respond If You Suspect a Heart Attack
- Call 911 Immediately: Do not delay seeking emergency medical help if you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, even if they seem mild or intermittent. Early treatment saves lives.
- Chew Aspirin if Available: If you are not allergic and have no contraindications, chew a full dose (usually 325 mg) of aspirin to help prevent further blood clotting.
- Avoid Driving Yourself: Wait for emergency responders who can provide life-saving care en route to the hospital.
- Perform CPR if Necessary: If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, begin chest compressions immediately until help arrives.
- Stay Calm and Reassure: Keep the person calm and comfortable while waiting for emergency services.
Prevention Is Key
Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. This includes:
- Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol
- Exercising regularly
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight
Summary
Heart attack symptoms can vary widely and may not always include classic chest pain. Recognizing the 7 key signs-chest discomfort, pain radiating to other areas, shortness of breath, cold sweats or nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, and anxiety-can prompt faster emergency response and improve outcomes. If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately and seek medical help without delay.
Sources:
1 Mayo Clinic – Heart Attack Symptoms & Causes
2 Medical News Today – Heart Attack Symptoms and Treatment
3 CDC – Heart Attack Symptoms and Risk
4American Heart Association – Warning Signs of a Heart Attack Center for Research on Women’s Health – 7 Signs of a Heart Attack
