Early Heart Attack Symptoms

Early heart attack symptoms can be subtle but life-threatening. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, including symptoms that may differ for men and women, and when to seek emergency care.

What Is EHAC?

Early Heart Attack Care (or EHAC) education teaches you to recognize the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Why? We want you to be an active bystander so you can save a life - even if it’s yours.

Learn the Early Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Feeling of fullness
Pain that travels down one or both arms
Jaw pain
Excessive fatigue or weakness
Anxiety
Nausea or vomiting
Back pain
Shortness of breath
Chest pressure, squeezing, aching, or burning

Men’s vs. Women’s Symptoms

Some heart attack symptoms can be different between men and women. Why does it matter? Women may be less likely to seek immediate medical care, which can cause more damage to the heart.

Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of the chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side.
Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy, or nauseous
Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw
Women may think their stomach pain is the flu, heartburn, or an ulcer

What Are Atypical Heart Attack Presentations?

In an atypical presentation, the signs and symptoms are different. How? The patient may not complain about pain or pressure in the chest. Be alert for the following:

A sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing
Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body
Difficult or labored breathing

IHS is committed to providing patients with everything they need to identify heart attack symptoms as early as possible so they can seek fast treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack call 911 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a heart attack happen without severe chest pain?

Yes. Some people experience mild chest discomfort or no noticeable chest pain at all. Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, nausea, dizziness, sweating, or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, or arms, may occur instead. Any combination of concerning symptoms should be taken seriously.

How quickly should I respond to possible heart attack symptoms?

Possible heart attack symptoms require immediate attention. Calling 911 as soon as symptoms begin can help emergency medical professionals start evaluation and treatment promptly. Waiting to see whether symptoms go away can delay potentially life-saving care.

What should I do if I think someone is having a heart attack?

Call 911 immediately and clearly describe the person's symptoms. Keep the person as comfortable and calm as possible while waiting for emergency responders. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, follow the dispatcher's instructions for CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.

Can heart attack symptoms come and go?

Yes. Heart attack symptoms may come and go rather than remaining constant. Temporary improvement does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has resolved. Symptoms that return or repeatedly occur should receive prompt medical attention.

Are heart attacks always caused by a blocked artery?

Most heart attacks occur when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked, commonly because of a blood clot forming over a ruptured plaque. However, heart attacks can have different causes and mechanisms. Medical evaluation is necessary to determine what is happening.

Can indigestion feel like a heart attack?

Yes. Heart-related discomfort can sometimes feel similar to indigestion, heartburn, or an upset stomach. Because it can be difficult to distinguish these conditions based on symptoms alone, new or unexplained chest discomfort or other possible heart attack symptoms should not be dismissed as indigestion.

Can stress or anxiety cause symptoms that resemble a heart attack?

Stress and anxiety can cause symptoms such as chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, or dizziness. However, these symptoms can also occur during a heart attack. It is important not to assume that potentially serious symptoms are caused by anxiety without appropriate medical evaluation.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack in older adults?

Older adults may experience typical symptoms such as chest pressure or discomfort, but symptoms can sometimes be less obvious. Shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, confusion, unusual fatigue, nausea, or other unexplained changes can also occur. Prompt medical evaluation is important when symptoms are concerning.

Why is calling 911 better than driving to the hospital during a heart attack?

Emergency medical personnel can begin evaluating and treating a person before they arrive at the hospital. Calling 911 also allows the person to be transported to an appropriate medical facility while receiving care and monitoring along the way. If a heart attack is suspected, emergency medical services should be activated rather than delaying care.

Can knowing the signs of a heart attack really save a life?

Recognizing potential heart attack symptoms can encourage someone to seek emergency care sooner. Early recognition and rapid activation of emergency medical services can reduce delays in treatment, which may help limit damage to the heart and improve the chances of a better outcome.