Health Library

Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States. Knowing the warning signs
of a heart attack and how to respond could save a life.

The following guidelines can help you make the right decisions and take the right
steps when seconds count.

Heart attack symptoms

The following may be symptoms of a heart attack. Not all of these warning signs occur
in every attack. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that
  lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, back, and arms.

• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of
  breath.

• Feeling very anxious or very tired. 

Be prepared

Take the following emergency actions ahead of time if you or a family member has a
heart condition or is at risk of a heart attack:

• Know which hospitals in your area provide 24-hour emergency heart care. Tell family
  and friends where they are.

• Keep emergency rescue phone numbers near your phone or save them on your cell phone. 

• Tell family and friends to call 911 or your local number for emergencies if chest
  pain lasts more than a few minutes.

There are other causes of chest pain besides a heart attack. However, you should get
medical help if you or someone else have the heart attack symptoms described above. 

What to do

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack:

• Call 911 or your local number for emergencies. Tell the person who answers where you
  are and that someone is having a heart attack. Don’t hang up until you’re told to
  do so.

• You should not drive, or let someone else who is having symptoms drive, to the hospital. 

While waiting for emergency help to arrive

• Make sure the door to your home is unlocked.

• Make sure you have a phone with you.

• Chew and swallow 1 adult (325 mg) or 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin:

  • Do not take aspirin if you are allergic to it.

• Sit in a comfortable chair and wait for help to arrive.