Heart attack warning signs
Chest pain is only one of the possible signs of an impending heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. If you notice one or more of the signs below in yourself or someone else, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
-
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning, tightness, or pain in the center of the chest
-
Pain, numbness, pinching, prickling, or other uncomfortable sensations in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
-
Shortness of breath
-
Sudden nausea or vomiting
-
Lightheadedness or dizziness
-
Unusual fatigue
-
Heat/flushing or a cold sweat
-
Sudden heaviness, weakness, or aching in one or both arms
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.