Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve a discomforting feeling 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, 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. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs: May include breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling nauseated or lightheaded.

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help.

Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

What is a cardiac arrest?

The heart stops beating or beats so irregularly that you become unresponsive. Cardiac arrest can strike immediately and without warning but may follow a heart attack (see the warnig signs above).

How do you know if someone is experiencing cardiac arrest?

Here are the signs:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness - No response to gentle shaking. . Abnormal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
• No signs of circulation - No movement or coughing.

If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone trained to use it is nearby, involve them.

Don't Delay-Get Help Right Away!

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts. If you see or have any of the symptoms listed above, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all signs occur in every heart attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to past patients. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay -- get help right away!

What should I know about heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is America's number 1 killer. Stroke is number 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.