Am I having a heart attack?

When chest pain comes up, it can be a scary moment. But it doesn’t mean for sure it’s a heart attack. So how do you know if it might be one?

Symptoms of a heart attack

There are a few different symptoms that might appear when someone has a heart attack. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, fullness, squeezing feelings) in the middle of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes
• Feeling weak, light-headed or faint; may feel a “cold sweat”
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw or back
• Pain or discomfort in the arms and/or shoulders (it could be in both arms or just one)
• Shortness of breath
  

A note for women

Heart attacks can show up differently in different genders. The symptoms above tend to be the most common for a heart attack. But women may have those symptoms AND:

• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Extreme fatigue
• Upper body discomfort
• Back or jaw pain

When should I call a doctor or ask for help?

• If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in you or someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• The chances of surviving a heart attack are better the sooner you get treatment.