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Symptoms of Heart Attacks

Every 34 seconds someone in United States suffers from a heart attack, a health problem that happens when a section of the heart is damaged because of reduced blood supply.

Heart attack symptoms can differ from person to person. Some people experience a number of symptoms before a heart attack while others don’t show any. The sooner you recognize your symptoms and take proper action, the better.

Heart attack symptoms can include:

  • Pain, tightness, painful pressure, fullness, squeezing in the middle of the chest lasting more than a few minutes or that comes and goes
  • Crushing chest pain
  • Pressure or pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, upper back, jaw or arms
  • Dizziness or upset stomach
  • Clammy sweats, heart flutters or paleness
  • Unexplained feelings of worry, or feeling worn out or weak, especially with effort
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Shortness of breath and problems breathing

If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 911 right away.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , WomenHeart