Hands-Only CPRTwo Steps to Save a Life

  1. Call 911 right away.
     
  2. Repeatedly, push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. (Hands-only CPR)

A heart attack can strike at any time; knowing the symptoms and seeking the help you need is critical to surviving. Not all of the symptoms of a heart attack may occur. In fact, many heart attacks start slowly. A person experiencing a heart attack may be unsure or doubt that it is really happening.

Heart Attack Symptoms

The majority of damage that can occur as a result of a heart attack strikes within the first two hours, so understanding the symptoms and calling 911 right away are important. Here is a list of possible symptoms.

  • Anxiety
  • Arm pain that travels down one or both arms
  • Back pain
  • Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling of fullness in your stomach
  • Jaw pain
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Heart Attacks Symptoms in Women

It’s important to note that heart attack symptoms vary among individuals and can affect each person differently. For example, women may experience a heart attack without having any chest pain. Women may instead experience the following symptoms, which are associated with a heart attack:

  • Anxiety
  • Indigestion
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Unusual fatigue

Act Fast in an Emergency

If you think you or a loved one is having a heart attack call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not drive yourself. Ambulances are specially equipped to provide treatment for a heart attack.