You can know if you're having a heart attack by recognizing some key symptoms. Common signs include:
- Pressure, burning, tightness, or discomfort in your chest lasting five minutes or longer.
- Discomfort that may move to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, or nausea.
- Indigestion-like discomfort.
- Unexplained anxiety, weakness, tiredness, or abnormal heartbeats with sweating and pale skin.
Women may experience different or more subtle signs such as pain or discomfort in the upper body beyond the chest, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. Not all heart attacks involve sudden or intense chest pain; symptoms can be subtle and vary widely. If you experience these symptoms, especially chest pressure or discomfort lasting several minutes, seek emergency medical help immediately, as early treatment is crucial.
