Signs of a Heart Attack (Cardiac Arrest)

Knowing the signs can save someone's live. According to the American Heart Assocation, the warning signs of a heart attack are:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Women and men often experience different signs. According to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute " As with men, women's most common heart attack (cardiac arrenst) symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

In addition to knowing the signs, they urge people to contact their doctor or call 911 if it doesn't resolve within minutes. Every minute counts.

For more information, please visit National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, American Heart Association
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