Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart attacks and heart disease are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack! Learning the warning signs of a heart attack can help you tell who needs urgent help.

●       Chest pain. This is the most common warning sign of a heart attack. People can often feel pain or strong pressure on their chest. Some even say the pressure is like “an elephant sitting on my chest!”

●       Pain spreading to other parts of the body. This is when chest pain moves to the arms, jaw, neck, and/or back. Many people say their pain goes to their left arm.

●       Dizziness. This is the feeling of the room spinning or you losing your balance.

●       Shortness of breath. This is the feeling that you can’t breathe enough.

●       Nausea. This is the feeling of wanting to throw up.

●       Anxiety. This is when a person feels more nervous or worried than usual. A heart attack can be mistaken for a panic attack, so remember the other signs to help you tell the difference!

It is important to note that a heart attack is not one-size-fits-all. For example, women having a heart attack feel shortness of breath and back pain more often than men. Some people may experience severe chest pain, while others feel more mild pain. If you think someone is having a heart attack, act quickly and call 911. Recognizing these symptoms and acting fast can save someone’s life!

1. “Heart Attack.” NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/symptoms/.

2. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May 2023, www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.

3. “Warning Signs of a Heart Attack.” Www.Heart.Org, 23 Feb. 2024, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack.