Early signs of a heart attack

Heart attacks occur when the flow of the blood to the heart is blocked. Although heart attack symptoms vary in each individual, the list below can be used to identify when you should seek medical attention. It is easy to explain away many of these symptoms as a result of anxiety, fatigue, indigestion, or stress, and then delay treatment. Don’t. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. And even if it isn’t fatal, delaying treatment can lead to a permanent reduction in heart function. 

Heart attack warning signs 

If you experience a combination of  these symptoms, call 911.

• Chest discomfort, which could be pain, a feeling of fullness, and/or a squeezing sensation
• Jaw pain, a toothache, or a headache that spreads down the body
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort, which tends to feel more like heaviness rather than stabbing pain
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Arm pain (more commonly the left one)
• Upper back pain
• Malaise, which can be described as fatigue and lightheadedness 
• Sweating
• Panic

Additionally, research has shown that heart attack symptoms in women can differ from men. According to the American Heart Association, women are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.