Learn What a Heart Attack Feels Like - It could Save Your Life

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Originally published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH Publication No. 11-5062). U.S. government work, public domain. Reproduced as archived reference, not current guidance.

Learn What a Heart Attack Feels Like— It Could Save Your Life.

This fact sheet tells you about heart attack signs. It also tells you what to do if you are having any of these signs.

Take these steps. They could save your life.

1. Know the signs of a heart attack.
2. Understand that heart attacks are not all the same.
3. Act fast.
4. Call 9–1–1.

Know the heart attack warning signs.

Your chest hurts or feels One or both arms, your You may feel like you squeezed. back, shoulders, neck, or can’t breathe. jaw may hurt.

You may feel light-headed You may feel sick to your You may feel really, or break out in a cold sweat. stomach, or your stomach really tired. may hurt.

Understand that heart attacks are not all the same.

Some heart attacks are sudden. Other heart attacks start slowly. Your pain and other signs may go away and come back. You may not be sure if you are having a heart attack. Don’t wait, check it out right away.

Act fast. Call 9–1–1.

Call 9–1–1 if you think you may be having Do not drive yourself to the hospital. The a heart attack. Don’t wait! If you can’t call, ambulance will come as fast as it can. ask a family member or friend to call 9–1–1. Ambulance workers will start life-saving medicines and other treatments right away.

To help survive a heart attack, take these steps:

1. Know the signs of a heart attack.
2. Understand that heart attacks are not all the same.
3. Act fast.
4. Call 9–1–1.

NIH Publication No. 11-5062 Originally printed June 2003 Revised December 2011