In the event of a heart attack, getting treatment as soon as possible is vital. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which may include:
- Chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden, heavy sweating for no apparent reason
Not everyone experiences heart attack pain the same way. Women, the elderly and people with diabetes often feel symptoms that they may not realize are related to the heart including:
- Nausea
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Chest pressure
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
If you experience these or any other symptoms that make you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. The EMS providers who respond to 911 calls are highly trained medical professionals who can begin lifesaving care even before you arrive at the hospital.
Information adapted from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and used with permission.