Heart Attack Warning Signs
A heart attack can occur at any time - and they are not always sudden and intense. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking emergency medical care immediately can minimize damage to the body's most important muscle - and could save your life.
Many heart attacks start slowly with only mild pain or discomfort. Some people do not experience chest pain but instead have other signs.
Signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest discomfort
- Uncomfortable pressure, heaviness
- Squeezing, tightness
- Possible burning
- Discomfort lasts more than two minutes, may come and go
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- One or both arms
- Back
- Neck, jaw
- Stomach
- Other signs (with or without chest discomfort)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea, vomiting
- Light-headedness
- Extreme weakness/fatigue
Cardiovascular disease can begin long before heart attack symptoms appear. Managing controllable risk factors is key to prevention. Take our free assessment to get a personalized analysis of your heart disease risk.
Take an Online Heart Risk Assessment
The less time that passes between the start of heart attack symptoms and the restoration of blood flow via a surgical procedure, the less damage your heart is likely to sustain. The emergency physicians and cardiovascular surgeons at Grandview Medical Center are skilled and experienced in treating heart attack patients.
Need to see a cardiac care specialist? Request an appointment today.
If you experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention.