A man clutches his chest in pain

Heart Attack

Expert Help When You Need It Most

Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save your life. The most common symptom in men and women is chest pain or discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the less common symptoms of heart attack, including shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue, and back or jaw pain.

Time is muscle! Every minute treatment for a heart attack is delayed, more heart muscle dies.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

  • older man with hand on his chest

    Heavy Chest Pressure

    Squeezing or burning in your chest or fullness in your abdomen

  • Woman holding her head

    Extreme Discomfort or Symptoms

    Light-headedness, nausea, unusual fatigue

  • Man holding his arm

    Arm Pain

    Feeling pain in one or both arms, back, neck, or jaw

  • woman out of breath and holding her chest

    Respiratory Difficulties

    Shortness of breath with or without chest pain

  • woman making a phone call

    Time To Call 911 Now

    If you observe any of these signs in yourself or others, call 911! Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital.

Woman on phone with man holding his chest in pain

What to Do

Act Fast, Call 911

  • Call 911 immediately. Clearly tell the dispatcher all the symptoms you’re experiencing and if you have any history of heart problems.
  • Chew one adult-strength (325 mg) tablet of uncoated aspirin.
  • If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, take it.
  • Don’t drive yourself or have someone drive you. Paramedics are your best option – they can begin treatment in the ambulance, perform an ECG on the way to the hospital, and transmit results to the ER before you arrive.

Related Specialties

Cardiology

Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, abnormalities, and related conditions.

Specialty details

Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Medically supervised program to stabilize, slow, or even reverse the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Specialty details

Areas of Expertise