Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all. A heart attack typically strikes suddenly and can occur at any time. Warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
• Pain extending beyond your chest to the shoulder, arm, back, teeth, jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Prolonged pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light-headedness
• Sweating
• Feeling of impending danger or death

Angina or a heart attack?
An angina attack is not a heart attack. A heart attack happens when a narrowed coronary artery becomes blocked by a blood clot. The discomfort or pain is similar to angina but is usually more severe and lasts longer (the symptoms of stable angina usually fade within about 10-15 minutes). Using a nitrate spray or tablet, which are usually very effective at relieving angina, will not help.

If you, or someone you are with, has chest pain or discomfort, especially with one of the other symptoms described above, you should seek medical help immediately.