A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Recognizing the early warning signs can save a life—yours or someone else’s.
Chest Pain or Discomfort (Most Common Sign)
What it feels like:
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Pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the center or left side of the chest
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Pain may last more than a few minutes or come and go
Important:
Some people mistake this for gas or indigestion, but heart attack pain often feels heavy and crushing, not sharp.
Pain Spreading to Arm, Neck, Jaw, or Back
Common areas affected:
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Left arm (most common)
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Both arms
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Neck or jaw
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Upper back or shoulders
This pain may start in the chest and travel outward, or appear suddenly without chest pain.
Shortness of Breath
You may notice:
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Difficulty breathing while resting
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Feeling like you can’t get enough air
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Breathlessness with or without chest pain
This is especially common in women and older adults.
Cold Sweat, Dizziness, or Sudden Weakness
Warning signs include:
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Sudden cold sweating
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Feeling faint or lightheaded
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Sudden extreme fatigue
These symptoms may appear hours before a major heart attack.
Nausea, Vomiting, or Stomach Pain
Often mistaken for food poisoning or gastritis.
More common in:
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Women
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People with diabetes
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Elderly patients
If stomach pain comes with sweating or shortness of breath, take it seriously.
Unusual Fatigue (Especially in Women)
Signs:
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Extreme tiredness without reason
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Fatigue lasting days or weeks
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Feeling exhausted after mild activity
This can be an early silent warning before a heart attack.
What To Do Immediately (Life-Saving Steps)
If you or someone nearby shows any combination of these symptoms:
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Call emergency services immediately
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Do NOT wait for symptoms to pass
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Sit or lie down calmly
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Loosen tight clothing
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If prescribed, take nitroglycerin
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If advised by emergency services, chew aspirin (unless allergic)
Every minute matters. Delayed treatment increases heart damage.
Expert Medical Advice
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Heart attack symptoms vary by person
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Women often experience atypical symptoms
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Diabetics may have silent heart attacks
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Never self-diagnose chest pain at home
Rule of thumb:
If symptoms last more than 5 minutes, treat it as an emergency.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
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Smoking
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Obesity
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Stress
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Family history of heart disease
Final Reminder
Many heart attack deaths happen because people ignore early warning signs.
If something feels wrong — trust your body and seek help immediately.
