Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Possible heart attack symptoms in men and women:
- Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of fullness
- Mild chest symptoms (pressure, burning, aching, tightness) that come and go
Heart attack signs in women:
Many women may never have chest pains before a heart attack. Additionally, women often experience physical symptoms for as a long as a month before a heart attack.
The most common symptoms women experience before a heart attack include:
- Unusual fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
During an actual heart attack, common symptoms in women include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness
If You Believe You Are Having a Heart Attack
- Call 911. Tell the operator “I think I’m having a heart attack.”
- Chew one adult strength aspirin or four baby aspirin. Keep supplies in areas where you spend time, as well as in your pocket or purse.
- If at home, unlock your front door to enable paramedics to get to you quickly.
If possible, have a wallet card ready with your medical history and current medications.