Some heart attacks strike with intense pain and shortness of breath, while others start slowly, and the symptoms are mild in comparison. Both pose serious risks, including long-term hospitalization and death. The key is knowing the symptoms to notice when they arise.
Seconds count: If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Heart attack symptoms vary a great deal and may come and go mildly before becoming constant and alarming. Signs and symptoms often go unnoticed in women.
Symptoms vary but may include:
- Nausea
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of fullness
Chest discomfort
Almost all heart attacks involve some chest discomfort. The pain can range from mild to severe. It often includes pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone. The heart attack may feel like fullness, indigestion, a choking feeling or heart-burn.
Other discomfort
Pain or discomfort radiating to the back, neck, jaw, throat, arms or stomach.
Weakness and/or nausea
Symptoms include extreme weakness, sweating, anxiety, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Women, older adults and people with diabetes may present with less obvious signs or symptoms of a heart attack. While women can have classic symptoms, like chest pain, upper back pain, shortness of pain and dizziness, they often have different symptoms. Their heart attack symptoms may include nausea, lightheadedness, acid reflux or a sense of simply not feeling well. Learn more about the signs of heart attack in women.
Early heart attack care education
Nebraska Medicine is raising public awareness to educate our community about the signs of an impending heart attack.
What is EHAC?
Early Heart Attack Care, or EHAC, education teaches you to recognize early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Why? We want you to become an active bystander so you can save a life – even if it's yours.
Did you know that most heart damage can occur within the first two hours of a heart attack? EHAC encourages you to know the subtle signs of a heart attack and act on them before heart damage occurs.