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Heart attack signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or 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.
  • Pain or discomfort in the shoulder or arm
  • Shortness of breath

Women often have different symptoms, which can include:

  • Feeling much more tired than usual, for no clear reason
  • Heartburn, nausea or a burning feeling that seems unrelated to food
  • Lightheadedness or faintness

If you think you or someone near you is having a heart attack:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Do not drive yourself or the patient to the hospital. First responders can start life‐saving steps in an ambulance while on the way to the Emergency Room.
  • Have the patient stop all activities.
  • Loosen clothing, such as ties and belts, that may restrict breathing.