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Warning Signs of aHeart Attack

Catch the signs earlyDon’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warningsigns. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly,with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if youexperience:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centerof the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go awayand then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing,fullness or pain.

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Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can includepain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw orstomach.Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a coldsweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

View or download a full-size Jpeg of the common heart attack warningsigns infographic.

Download the heart attack warning signs infographic (PDF).

Symptoms vary between menand womenAs with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chestpain (angina) or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely thanmen to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularlyshortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn about the warning signs of heart attack in women.

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Learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’sa heart attack, have it checked out.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives - maybe your own.

Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almostalways the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.

An emergency medical services (EMS) team can begin treatment whenthey arrive – up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital bycar. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart hasstopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usuallyreceive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

For many reasons, it’s best to call 911 so that an experienced EMS teamcan begin treatment and arrange rapid transport to the emergency room.

Watch an animation of a heart attack.

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