A person who is experiencing a heart attack — or myocardial infarction — will feel pain in their chest and other parts of their body, as well as other symptoms.
Spotting the early signs of a heart attack and getting prompt treatment is crucial and can save a person’s life.
A heart attack is different from cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops working completely. Both are medical emergencies, and without treatment, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
This article looks at how heart attacks happen and how to treat and prevent them.
As heart attacks can be fatal, it is crucial to recognize the warnings as soon as possible and contact emergency services.
Symptoms include:
- a feeling of pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing, or aching in the chest
- pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- a feeling of crushing or heaviness in the chest
- a feeling similar to heartburn or indigestion
- nausea and sometimes vomiting
- feeling clammy and sweaty
- shortness of breath
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- in some cases, anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack
- coughing or wheezing, if fluid builds up in the lungs
The symptoms can vary in their order and duration — they may last several days or come and go suddenly.
