Symptoms of a Heart Attack

by Debra Wood, RN [1]

Chest pain [11] is the hallmark symptom of a heart [12] attack. But not everyone having a heart [12] attack experiences the same crushing pain [11]. In particular, women, the elderly, or people with diabetes [13] may experience no pain [11], or atypical symptoms. If you experience chest pain [11] or any of the symptoms listed below in combination with chest discomfort, call emergency medical [14] services (9-1-1) immediately. Do not delay. The more of these symptoms you experience together, the more likely it is that you may be having a heart [12] attack. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical [14] personnel can begin treatment before you reach the hospital.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart [12] attack include:

Chest pain [11]
- May start as mild discomfort and progress to more intense pain [11]
- May come and go
- May feel like a weight on the chest or a squeezing sensation
Discomfort in other parts of the upper body
- Pain in the arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach
Shortness of breath
- A sensation of difficulty breathing
- Rapid or shallow breathing
Sweating
Nauseaand vomiting
Lightheadedness
Anxiety

References:

American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org [15] .

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ [16] .

Mayo Clinicwebsite. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-attack-symptoms/HB00054 [17] . Accessed January 23, 2007.

Last reviewed February 2007 by Marcin Chwistek, MD [18]

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical [14] advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health [19] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [14] condition.

Links:
[1] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/editorial-staff-and-contributors#DebraW
[2] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/conditions-indepth-heart-attack-0
[3] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/risk-factors-for-heart-attack
[4] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/diagnosis-of-heart-attack
[5] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/treatments-for-heart-attack
[6] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/screening-for-heart-attack
[7] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/reducing-your-risk-of-heart-attack
[8] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/talking-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-heart-attack
[9] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/in-his-own-words-living-after-a-heart-attack
[10] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/resource-guide-for-heart-attack
[11] http://www.thirdage.com/pain-management
[12] http://www.thirdage.com/heart-health
[13] http://www.thirdage.com/diabetes
[14] http://www.thirdage.com/medical-care
[15] http://www.americanheart.org
[16] http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
[17] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-attack-symptoms/HB00054
[18] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/ebsco-publishings-medical-review-board-0#Chwistek
[19] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness