Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Learning the warning signs of a heart attack, and seeking prompt medical attention, may mean the difference between life and death.
You may be having a heart attack if you experience:
- Chest pain and chest discomfort (the most common heart attack symptom)
- An uncomfortable pressure or squeezing in the middle of your chest. This feeling may go away and come back
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- General weakness or fatigue
- Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the neck or jaw
- Sense of impending doom
Chest pain, chest discomfort and backache are the most common heart attack symptoms for both women and men. Women may also commonly experience shortness of breath, vomiting and back or jaw pain.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing heart attack symptoms, call 911 immediately.
