A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage, often due to plaque buildup, damages the heart muscle. Recognizing heart attack signs swiftly is important, as immediate action improves outcomes.
Common Physical Signs
The most frequently reported sign of a heart attack is chest discomfort, such as pressure, tightness, squeezing, aching, or burning. This discomfort often feels like a heavy weight, sometimes described as an “elephant on the chest,” lasting minutes or recurring. The pain can radiate from the chest to other areas like the arms (often left), back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath is another common symptom, occurring with or without chest pain. People experiencing a heart attack may also break out in a cold sweat. Nausea or vomiting, along with lightheadedness or sudden dizziness, are also common symptoms.
Less Obvious Observable Signs
Heart attack symptoms can vary considerably among individuals, with some signs being less obvious or easily confused with other conditions.
Sudden and unexplained fatigue or weakness can be a symptom, particularly in women. Discomfort might be felt predominantly in areas other than the chest, such as pain in the back, jaw, or stomach pain resembling indigestion. Some individuals might experience flu-like symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, without other flu signs. A sudden feeling of intense anxiety can also be a sign. General malaise, without clear, localized pain, may also point to a heart attack.
Observing someone clutching their chest or arm is a direct physical behavior that should prompt concern. Fainting or near-fainting spells are also possible, indicating a severe reduction in blood flow.
These atypical symptoms are more common in certain populations, including women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes, who may experience a heart attack without traditional chest pain. Women may report neck pain, arm pain, or unusual tiredness more often. Diabetes can alter pain perception, potentially leading to a “silent heart attack” with minimal or no symptoms. About 30% of people experiencing a heart attack may have atypical symptoms.
Immediate Actions
If a heart attack is suspected, call emergency services immediately. Do not delay, as prompt treatment can minimize heart damage and improve survival.
While waiting for emergency responders, have the person sit down, rest, and encourage them to remain calm. It can also be helpful to loosen any tight clothing around their neck or chest to ease breathing.
If the person is conscious, not allergic to aspirin, and advised by the emergency dispatcher, they can chew and swallow an aspirin dose. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and improves blood flow.
Stay with the person until medical help arrives, continuing to monitor their condition and offering reassurance. Avoid giving them anything else by mouth unless specifically instructed by medical professionals.