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Warning Signs of Heart Attack

We’ve all seen the “movie heart attack” where the actor suddenly clutches their chest in agony and falls to the floor. However, in reality most heart attacks start slowly.

The fact is a heart attack strikes about every 43 seconds. They occur because the blood supply bringing oxygen to the heart is reduced or cut off completely due to fat buildup, cholesterol, and plaque in the arteries (blood stream).

Memorize the list of heart attack symptoms below and learn to recognize them even when they are mild. The life you save may be your own.

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. This can come with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

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