How to Recognize a Heart Attack

A heart attack, which occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, can be fatal. Immediate medical attention in the case of a heart attack is vital, and in many cases, this means recognizing the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Most heart attack symptoms tend to start slowly with mild pain and discomfort, though some can be sudden and intense. Here are the basics on signs and symptoms of a heart attack, plus how to respond.

Basic Symptoms

The following symptoms may signal a heart attack:

• Chest discomfort, generally in the center of the chest and lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may go away and come back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Upper body discomfort: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, either with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Not all heart attacks will show the same symptoms or the same severity of symptoms. In some cases, no symptoms will be present. The more signs and symptoms, however, the greater the likelihood a heart attack is occurring.