Symptoms of heart attack

Heart attacks can be sudden or intense, but most begin slowly. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Common warning signs of a heart attack

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, tightness, heaviness or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
  

Less common warning signs of a heart attack

• Stomach or abdominal pain; indigestion-like discomfort in the chest, especially with activity
• Nausea or dizziness
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
• Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness

Women sometimes experience different symptoms than men. Some women report no chest pain, but experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.