A heart attack occurs when your heart muscle is deprived of oxygen-rich blood. This happens when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked.

A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the warning signs can save your life. Here are the warning signs of a heart attack:.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. The pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or tightness in the center of the chest that lasts for several minutes. The pain may come and go or be constant.

Other areas where the pain may occur include the neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back, or stomach.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another warning sign of a heart attack. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath or need to take deep breaths. This symptom may occur with or without chest pain.

Nausea, Vomiting, or Indigestion

Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, or indigestion when they’re having a heart attack. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, but it’s important to take them seriously if they occur with other warning signs.

Lightheadedness or Dizziness

You may feel lightheaded or dizzy when you’re having a heart attack. This symptom can occur with or without chest pain. If you feel like you might faint or pass out, seek medical attention immediately.

Fatigue or Weakness

Feeling unusually tired or weak can be a warning sign of a heart attack, especially in women. This symptom can occur days or even weeks before the actual heart attack.

Cold Sweat

You may break out in a cold sweat when you’re having a heart attack. This symptom can occur with or without chest pain. If you’re sweating profusely and don’t have an explanation for it, seek medical attention immediately.

Unusual Pain or Pressure

You may feel unusual pain or pressure in other parts of your body when you’re having a heart attack. This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

If you experience this warning sign, seek medical attention immediately.

Difficulty Sleeping

Having trouble sleeping at night can be a warning sign of a heart attack. The difficulty may be due to insomnia or waking up frequently during the night.

If you’re having trouble sleeping and have other warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.

Anxiety or Feeling of Impending Doom

You may experience anxiety or a feeling of impending doom when you’re having a heart attack. This symptom is more common in women than in men.

If you’re feeling anxious or are worried that something bad is happening, seek medical attention immediately.

Coughing or Wheezing

Coughing or wheezing can be a warning sign of a heart attack, especially in people with underlying heart or lung disease. If you’re coughing or wheezing and have other warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, the warning signs of a heart attack can vary from person to person. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a heart attack.

The faster you receive treatment, the better your chances of survival and recovery.