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Early Signs of a Heart Attack

May 18, 2018

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, heart attacks do not necessarily lead to death. Surviving a heart attack is possible if you can recognize the signs and get care.

Heart attack symptoms vary in each individual, but the list below can be used to identify when you should seek medical attention. It is easy to explain away many of these symptoms as a result of anxiety, fatigue, indigestion, or stress, and then delay treatment. Don’t. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. And even if it isn’t fatal, delaying treatment can lead to a permanent reduction in heart function.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

If you experience a combination of these symptoms, call 911.

  • Chest discomfort, which could be pain, a feeling of fullness, and/or a squeezing sensation
  • Jaw pain, a toothache, or a headache that spreads down the body
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach discomfort, which tends to feel more like heaviness rather than stabbing pain
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Arm pain (more commonly the left one)
  • Upper back pain
  • Malaise, which can be described as fatigue and lightheadedness
  • Sweating
  • Panic
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