A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked (e.g., as a result of coronary artery disease). Because the cells in the affected area of the heart muscle are not receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need, they die, causing permanent damage to the heart muscle (Figure 3-1). Seeking advanced medical care as soon as you recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can minimize the damage to the heart and may save the person’s life. 

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When a person is having a heart attack, every minute counts. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack 

 

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person, and can be different in women than they are in men. Even people who have had a heart attack before may not experience the same signs and symptoms if they have a second heart attack. A person who is having a heart attack may show any of the following signs and symptoms: 

 

• Chest pain, which can range from mild to unbearable. The person may complain of pressure, squeezing, tightness, aching or heaviness in the chest. The pain or discomfort is persistent, lasting longer than 3 to 5 minutes, or going away and then coming back. It is not relieved by resting, changing position or taking medication. It may be difficult to distinguish the pain of a heart attack from the pain of indigestion, heartburn or a muscle spasm. 

 

• Discomfort or pain that spreads to one or both arms, the back, the shoulder, the neck, the jaw or the upper part of the stomach 

• Dizziness or light-headedness 

 

• Trouble breathing, including noisy breathing, shortness of breath or breathing that is faster than normal 

 

• Nausea or vomiting 

 

• Pale, ashen (gray) or slightly bluish skin, especially around the face and fingers 

 

• Sweating 

 

• A feeling of anxiety or impending doom 

 

• Extreme fatigue (tiredness) 

 

• Unresponsiveness