What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Answer

If you think you're having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your emergency medical system immediately.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense � the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

* Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

* Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

* Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive � up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll also get treated faster in the hospital if you come by ambulance.

If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Answer

Of course the above in an excellent and informed post, but wanted to add that women are less likely to know they are having a heart attack simply because they go through so many different aches and pains, and they do not always get the same symptoms as men can. My husband was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation last year and the Internist felt he'd suffered a heart attack in the past and didn't realize it. We won't know for sure of course until we see the Cardiologist the 19th of the month.

When in doubt just call 911! If you are simply having an anxiety attack (a high percentage of people that are rushed off to ER end up being diagnosed as having an anxiety attack that is stress related) don't feel foolish. It's better (as the above poster stated) to call 911!!!

ANSWER

Having survived three heart attacks two bypass operations and a stint let me tell you. My first heart attack gave me no warning and no pain. I just got short of breath and started getting clammy skin while doing light work in the wood shop. In the months before I was doing strenuous work and exercising. In hind sight the only warning I had was tiredness/less stamina and falling asleep on the couch after work - when I hadn't before. 2nd and 3rd got some nausea after eating a meal and a dull pain in the chest. Don't hesitate going to the hospital whatever the symptom. time is heart muscle and you need as much as you can get.

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