Overview
A heart attack—also called a myocardial infarction—is a medical emergency that occurs when part of the heart muscle does not receive enough blood. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking immediate medical care can reduce damage to the heart and improve survival.
Heart attack symptoms do not always appear suddenly or feel severe. They can begin slowly, may come and go, and can vary from person to person.
Quick Symptom Summary
The most commonly reported warning signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Upper-body pain (arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach)
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, depriving the tissue of oxygen. The longer blood flow is not restored, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is the most common underlying cause.
Common Warning Signs
Chest and Breathing Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. - Shortness of breath
This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Upper-Body and Systemic Symptoms
- Pain in other parts of the upper body
Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. - Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Early or Less Obvious Symptoms
Not all heart attacks begin with intense chest pain. Some start with milder or more subtle symptoms, including:
- Unusual or unexplained tiredness
- Mild chest discomfort rather than severe pain
- Discomfort similar to indigestion
- Anxiety or feelings similar to a panic attack
Differences in Symptoms Between Women and Men
Women
Chest pain remains the most common symptom, but women may also experience:
- Shortness of breath without chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back or upper-body discomfort
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Extreme or unusual fatigue
- Anxiety-like symptoms
Men
Men commonly report chest pressure or squeezing discomfort. Pain may spread to one or both arms, often including the left arm. Other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness are also reported. Not all men experience the same symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Call emergency services immediately if you or someone else experiences:
- Chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes
- Chest pain that goes away and comes back
- Chest discomfort combined with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness
- Sudden upper-body discomfort
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Emergency medical services can begin treatment right away, and early treatment can reduce heart muscle damage.
What to Do If You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Rest while waiting for help.
- Follow instructions from emergency medical personnel.
Prompt medical care can limit damage to the heart.
Risk Factors for Heart Attack
Several factors are known to increase the risk of heart attack:
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Smoking
- Increasing age
- Family history of heart disease
Some risk factors cannot be changed, but others can be managed with medical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can heart attack symptoms come and go?
Yes. Chest discomfort can last for several minutes, stop, and then return.
How long do heart attack symptoms last?
Chest discomfort may last more than a few minutes or come and go. The duration can vary between individuals.
Can heart attacks start with mild symptoms?
Yes. Some heart attacks begin slowly with mild pain or discomfort rather than sudden, severe symptoms.
Are heart attack symptoms the same for everyone?
No. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may differ between women and men.
How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack?
There is no single symptom that confirms a heart attack. Common signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and upper-body pain. If there is any concern, emergency care is recommended.
Can you feel a heart attack coming?
Some heart attacks begin with mild or slowly developing symptoms, while others start suddenly.
Are there warning signs days or weeks before a heart attack?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this.
Can young people have heart attacks?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this within the verified sources used for this article.
How do heart attack symptoms differ from anxiety or panic attacks?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this comparison within the verified sources used for this article.
APA References List
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 24). About heart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.). Heart attack emergency signs. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/emergency-signs
Heart.org. (2024, December 12). Warning signs of a heart attack. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
Heart.org. (2024, December 13). Heart attack symptoms in women. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women
NHS. (n.d.). Heart attack symptoms. NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/symptoms/
NHS. (n.d.). Heart attack causes. NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/causes/ Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106