A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Without prompt treatment, parts of the heart muscle begin to die.

Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial to getting immediate medical attention and improving the chances of survival.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, or squeezing in the chest. The pain may come and go, or it may be constant and intense.

Chest pain or discomfort can also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. It is important to note that not all people with heart attacks experience chest pain.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another common symptom of a heart attack. It can occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. This symptom may feel like an inability to catch your breath or like you cannot get enough air into your lungs.

You may also feel like you are suffocating or drowning. Shortness of breath can also occur during physical activity or at rest.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or an upset stomach that can be accompanied by vomiting. These symptoms can be present in both women and men, but more commonly experienced by women.

Cold Sweats

A cold sweat is when your skin feels cool and clammy and you are sweating without exertion. It can also be an indication of a heart attack, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Related Article 7 Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Fatigue

Unusual fatigue is also a common symptom of a heart attack that is more often experienced by women. This can feel different from the normal tiredness or exhaustion felt after a long day or a workout.

You may feel tired or weak even if you haven’t exerted much effort.

Lightheadedness or Fainting

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can also be a symptom of a heart attack. You may feel like you are going to pass out, or actually faint. This symptoms of fainting could also be accompanied by chest pains.

Heartburn or Indigestion

Some people with heart attacks may mistake their symptoms for indigestion or heartburn. This discomfort may feel like a burning sensation in the stomach or chest and can come with gas, belching, or bloating.

It is important to note, it is better to get checked and being safe than sorry.

Anxiety or Panic Attacks

People experiencing a heart attack can sometimes feel like they are experiencing a panic attack or severe anxiety. This feeling may come from the knowledge that something is not right, or it may be a symptom of the lack of oxygen in the body.

Jaw, Arm, or Back Pain

Pain in the jaw, arm, or back can also be a sign of a heart attack, especially when present with other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Chest Pressure or Fullness

Some people with heart attacks may feel a sensation of fullness or pressure in their chest area. This sensation can be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or sweating.