Heart Attack Warning Signs

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A heart attack can occur at any time - and they are not always sudden and intense. Recognizing symptoms and signs of a heart attack and seeking emergency medical care immediately can minimize damage to the body’s most important muscle - and could save your life.

Many heart attacks start slowly with only mild pain or discomfort as symptoms. Some people do not experience chest pain but instead have other warning signs.

Signs of a heart attack can include:

• Chest discomfort
  • Uncomfortable pressure, heaviness
  • Squeezing, tightness
  • Possible burning
  • Discomfort lasts more than two minutes, may come and go
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
  • One or both arms
  • Back
  • Neck or jaw
  • Stomach
• Other signs (with or without chest discomfort)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweat
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Extreme weakness/fatigue

The less time that passes between the start of heart attack symptoms and the restoration of blood flow via a surgical procedure, the less damage your heart is likely to sustain. Even a few minutes can make a huge difference. The emergency physicians and cardiovascular surgeons at Gadsden Regional Medical Center are skilled and experienced in treating heart attack patients.

If you experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention.

Click here to take an online heart risk assessment to determine if you are at risk for a heart attack.