What are the most common symptoms of a heart attack?

Most common symptoms

* Chest pain or discomfort. This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. The pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest. It can also feel like a burning or aching sensation. The pain may spread to the shoulders, neck, arms, or back.

* Shortness of breath. This is another common symptom of a heart attack. You may feel like you can't catch your breath or that you're suffocating.

* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms can occur if your heart is not pumping enough blood to your brain.

* Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. These symptoms can occur if your heart attack is causing a decrease in blood flow to your digestive system.

* Unusual fatigue. You may feel very tired or weak for no apparent reason.

* Cold sweat. You may break out into a cold sweat during a heart attack.

* Anxiety. You may feel a sense of impending doom or anxiety during a heart attack.

Other symptoms

There are a number of other symptoms that can occur with a heart attack, including:

* Jaw pain

* Ear pain

* Back pain

* Shoulder pain

* Neck pain

* Arm pain (usually in the left arm)

* Palpitations (a rapid or irregular heartbeat)

* Cough

* Wheezing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. A heart attack is a medical emergency, and early treatment can improve your chances of survival.