Heart Attack Warning Signs
Heart Health • Medically reviewed June 2022by the Cedarcrest Health clinical content committee
Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack can save precious time, and time matters a great deal when it comes to protecting the heart muscle. While television often shows a sudden, dramatic collapse, many heart attacks develop more gradually and with less obvious symptoms.
Common Warning Signs
- Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness
- Pain or discomfort spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue, which is sometimes more noticeable in women
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and they are not always severe. Some people describe only mild discomfort, while others report a feeling of indigestion or anxiety. This is one reason heart attacks are sometimes missed or mistaken for something else.
What to Do
If you or someone with you experiences these symptoms, call 911 right away rather than driving yourself to the hospital. Emergency responders can begin treatment on the way and alert the hospital before you arrive, which often leads to faster care once you get there.
Knowing your personal risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history, can help you and your provider decide how closely to watch for symptoms and what preventive steps make sense for you.
Do not wait to see if symptoms go away on their own. Talk with your Cedarcrest Health primary care provider about your heart disease risk factors, and keep our Find-a-Physician line, (814) 555-2650, handy for scheduling a heart health checkup.
This information is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Need a doctor? Call Find-a-Physician at (814) 555-2650 or search our directory.
Page last reviewed: 05/09/2026