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Symptoms Before a Heart Attack

Heart attacks are one of the top causes of death among adults in the United States. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack that is about to happen can be vital to saving a life.

  1. Chest Discomfort

    • Chest discomfort, or angina, is the number one symptom of heart attacks. The discomfort can be described as a tightness of the chest that goes away after a few minutes.

    Pain

    • Chest pain and pain in the upper body is another sign of a heart attack. The pain can be in the jaw, back, stomach, arms or neck. The left shoulder is one of the most common places of pain before a heart attack.

    Shortness of Breath

    • Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest pain. This shortness of breath is not unlike the shortness felt at the end of a hard exercise session.

    Sweating

    • Sweating or a "cold sweat" is a common occurrence before heart attacks.

    Heartbeat

    • A rapid or irregular heartbeat is a symptom of a heart attack. This irregularity may have to be treated with electric shock in order to correct. Correction of the irregular heartbeat is vital.

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