A heart attack is a medical emergency that can happen when blood can’t flow to the heart. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and get medical help right away.

In this article, we’ll discuss the warning signs of a heart attack that you shouldn’t ignore.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. It usually feels like a pressure, tightness, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest. The pain may last for a few minutes and come and go, or it can be constant.

It may feel like heartburn or indigestion, but it’s different from them. Chest pain or discomfort can also occur in the arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach.

Breathing Difficulties

Shortness of breath can occur during a heart attack due to the buildup of fluid in the lungs. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath or breathe deeply enough.

This symptom is more common in older adults, women, and people with diabetes or heart failure.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting can be symptoms of a heart attack. The pain may be in the upper abdomen and feel like indigestion or acid reflux. Some people may feel like they have the flu or a stomach virus.

Cold Sweat or Dizziness

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or breaking out in a cold sweat may be a sign of a heart attack. These symptoms can occur with or without chest pain or discomfort, especially in women. Cold sweats can also occur during a panic attack or anxiety.

Extreme Fatigue

Feeling extremely tired or fatigued, even with rest, can be a warning sign of a heart attack. This symptom is more common in women, older adults, and people with diabetes or heart disease. It may feel like a flu-like fatigue or exhaustion.

Heartburn or Indigestion

Heartburn or indigestion can be a sign of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or nausea.

It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you have these symptoms or if they are severe.

Arm, Neck, or Jaw Pain

Pain or discomfort in the arm, neck, or jaw can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. The pain may be sudden and intense or gradual and mild. It may also be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort.

Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia can be a sign of a heart attack. You may feel like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat.

This symptom is more common in older adults, women, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Coughing or Wheezing

Coughing or wheezing, especially when lying down, can be a sign of a heart attack. It may be due to fluid buildup in the lungs or heart failure. This symptom is more common in older adults, women, and people with diabetes or heart disease.

Anxiety or Panic Attack

Feeling anxious or having a panic attack can be a sign of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you have these symptoms or if they are severe.