Learn the Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

The most common heart attack symptom in men and women is chest pain or discomfort, yet women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

What to Do if you Have Heart Attack Symptoms

1) Take medication right away.

• Chew one adult-strength (325 mg) tablet of uncoated aspirin.
• If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, place one tablet under your tongue immediately. Take a second nitroglycerin tablet if the discomfort does not go away in five minutes. Take a third tablet after five more minutes if the discomfort still hasn’t gone away. If the symptoms do stop, call your doctor to report your condition.

2) If you have not been prescribed medication, wait no longer than 5 minutes from onset of symptoms before calling 9-1-1. Get to the nearest hospital right away.