What are heart attack symptoms, and when should I call for help?
A heart attack may cause chest pressure or pain, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or discomfort in an arm, jaw or back. Seek emergency help immediately if suspected; do not wait 20 minutes or require severe pain.
Details
Symptoms are not identical in everyone
Discomfort can be mild, resemble indigestion or come and go. Some people, including women, older adults and people with diabetes, may have less obvious symptoms. Lack of left-arm pain or sweating does not rule out a heart attack.
What to do immediately
Stop exertion, contact local emergency services and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not drive yourself or wait for an online appointment. Tell responders when symptoms began and which medicines you take. Do not delay the call to find a medicine or measure your blood pressure.
How it is assessed
Hospital assessment uses an ECG and blood tests such as troponin, interpreted according to timing and circumstances. An online symptom description or temporary improvement cannot reliably exclude a heart attack.
Related reading: What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?.