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Seven Signs of a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when clots block the flow of blood to the heart. Heart attacks often cause damage before people realize what they are experiencing. While symptoms can vary and range in intensity, there are seven signs that may signal a heart attack.

  1. Chest Pain

    • Chest pain may feel like heartburn or pressure. Some patients report feeling like an elephant is sitting on their chest. You may experience waves or episodes of pain and pressure that start or increase when you exert yourself and then subside when you are at rest.

    Other Pain

    • Pain can occur in your neck, jaw, teeth, back or arm. Neck pain is prevalent among women suffering attacks. Back or arm pain is generally on the left side.

    Sweaty, Clammy Skin

    • You may experience episodes of sweating and clammy or cool feeling skin. Your skin may be flushed or very pale. Some patients have cyanosis, which is a blue tinge to fingers, toes or lips.

    Fatigue

    • Fatigue and trouble breathing are common. You may feel very tired and worn out, need to sleep more, or have difficulty doing regular daily activities such as taking a shower.

    Shortness of Breath

    • Breathing may become difficult, even when doing regular activities. You may feel very shaky and clutch your chest during these episodes.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Nausea or vomiting may accompany the other symptoms during a heart attack. This is usually accompanied by sweating, chest pain or dizziness.

    Sense of Doom

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that people often have an impending sense of doom several hours, days or weeks before a heart attack occurs. Patients may start talking about their own death.

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