What are symptoms of heart attack

**Common Symptoms:**

1. **Chest pain**: The most well-known symptom of a heart attack is chest discomfort or pressure, which can feel like tightness, heaviness, or squeezing.

2. **Discomfort in the arms**: You may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in one or both of your arms (or shoulders).

3. **Shortness of breath** : Feeling like you can't catch your breath is a common symptom, especially if the heart attack involves a blockage in one or more coronary arteries.

4. **Cold sweats**: Breaking out into cold sweat can be an indication of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

5. **Lightheadedness** : Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can be a sign that your heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs.

6. **Fatigue**: A sudden feeling of exhaustion or weakness, even after resting, can be a symptom of heart attack.

**Less Common Symptoms:**

1. **Jaw pain**: You may experience jaw ache (or earache) that radiates to the chest.

2. **Back or shoulder pain** : Pain in one or both shoulders, arms, back muscles, or upper abdomen is not uncommon during a heart attack.

3. **Abdominal discomfort**: You may feel bloating, cramps (like menstrual cramps), or stomach pain similar to indigestion.

4. **Nausea and vomiting** : In some cases, people may experience nausea, throwing up (vomiting), or stomach upset during a heart attack.

5. **Feeling of impending doom** : A feeling that something is "off" and you're about to die (or have another serious medical event) can be a symptom, especially if accompanied by other warning signs.

**Other Important Factors:**

1. **Men are more likely to experience classic symptoms**: Men tend to have more pronounced chest pain and arm discomfort than women.

2. **Women may report different symptoms** : Women often describe their heart attack as a squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest that can radiate to one arm, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.

3. **Symptoms may not be severe**: Some people experience mild symptoms during a heart attack (e.g., feeling tired and run down), while others have more intense, life-threatening signs.

4. **Call 911 or seek medical help immediately**: If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to call for emergency assistance.

Remember: Even if your heart attack symptoms are mild, it's crucial to seek medical help quickly. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications or death.

Stay alert!