INFOGRAPHIC

Signs of Heart Attack Everyone Should Know

Reviewed by Claudia Levi, R.N.
December 10, 2024
Signs of Heart Attack Everyone Should Know Heart Attack Warning Signs Everyone should know the signs of a heart attack. That way, you can recognize it quickly and get help for yourself or someone else. Here are the symptoms to be aware of: Chest pain, squeezing, or pressure Nausea or vomiting Cold sweats Shortness of breath Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach How the Signs Can Differ for Women Women might have any of the above symptoms. But they may not always experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack. They may also experience: Chest discomfort (but not always) Pain or pressure in the upper back, upper abdomen, or lower chest Fainting or dizziness Feeling very tired Indigestion Get Help Right Away If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms and aren’t sure of the cause, call 911 right away. Immediate treatment can help save a life. Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack Don’t smoke. Eat a low-sodium, low-fat diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Treat high blood pressure. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Control your blood sugar. Manage stress. Sources: American Heart Association. (2023) What Is a Heart Attack? GoRedforWomen.org. Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women. Retrieved October 9, 2024

For the text version of this infographic, read on.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Everyone should know the signs of a heart attack. That way, you can recognize it quickly and get help for yourself or someone else.

Here are the symptoms to be aware of:

  • Chest pain, squeezing, or pressure
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cold sweats
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

How the Signs Can Differ for Women

Women might have any of the above symptoms. But they may not always experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack. They may also experience:

  • Chest discomfort (but not always)
  • Pain or pressure in the upper back, upper abdomen, or lower chest
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Feeling very tired
  • Indigestion

Get Help Right Away

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms and aren’t sure of the cause, call 911 right away. Immediate treatment can help save a life.

Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack

  • Don’t smoke.
  • Eat a low-sodium, low-fat diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Treat high blood pressure.
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
  • Control your blood sugar.
  • Manage stress.

Sources:

American Heart Association. (2023) What Is a Heart Attack?

GoRedforWomen.org. Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women. Retrieved October 9, 2024