Heart Attack5 min read
Heart Attack Warning Signs Most People Miss
About 1 in 5 heart attacks are 'silent'—and many others start with mild discomfort that people dismiss as indigestion. Women often experience entirely different symptoms than men. Recognition saves lives.
The Classic Signs
- Pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the center of the chest
- Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, or down the left arm
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
The Signs Women Are More Likely to Have
Women often present with atypical symptoms: unusual fatigue days before the event, pain between the shoulder blades, jaw pain, indigestion-like discomfort, or shortness of breath without chest pain.
Because these signs don't match the 'Hollywood heart attack,' women are more likely to delay calling 911—and more likely to die from a first cardiac event.
What To Do Right Now
- Call 911 immediately. Don't drive yourself.
- Chew (don't swallow) 325 mg of regular aspirin if you are not allergic.
- Unlock the door and sit down where EMS can find you.
- If the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, start CPR.