|  | Conditions Treatments | Heart Attack

The 5 Cardinal Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognizing a heart attack as it's happening is a key factor in making it through the ordeal. Because the symptoms are similar to other ailments, such as heartburn, people are likely to ignore the problem until it's too late. If you know the five cardinal signs of a heart attack, you may be in a better position to survive. If you ever think you are having a heart attack, get immediate help.

  1. Chest Pain

    • The pain feels like a tightening in the middle of your chest. It may be constant, or it may come and go. Some people experience more pain that others. In fact, it's possible to have a heart attack without feeling chest pain at all. It is more common for women to have a heart attack without feeling chest pain.

    Upper Body Discomfort

    • You may find that the pain travels upward to other parts of your body. For example, you may feel a muscle pain in your neck, shoulders or jaw. The type and intensity of pain varies with each individual. If the pain feels worse with movement or by pushing certain trigger points, it is probably not due to a heart attack. If the pain persists while resting or lying down, you should contact your doctor, as this is a sign that the pain could be the result of a heart attack.

    Shortness of Breath

    • When having a heart attack, you'll notice some shortness of breath. Usually this will occur just before you begin to have chest pains.

    Stomach Pain

    • Some people experience stomach pain when having a heart attack, ranging from slight nausea to vomiting. It's possible to mistake this feeling as heartburn. This is a more common sign in women.

    Lightheadedness and Sweating

    • You may feel lightheaded or dizzy and experience sudden sweating, even though you weren't exercising. You may simply "not feel good" and need to sit down. This can cause anxiety and feel like a panic attack, especially when coupled with the other symptoms.

Heart Attack - Related Articles