What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like?

Driving breathlessly to the hospital with chest pains, wondering what you’re feeling — it can be a frightening experience. Unfortunately, heart attacks are very common, and often fatal, so it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Knowing what a heart attack feels like can help you get the medical care you need quickly, and ensure the best possible outcome.

The Typical Heart Attack Symptoms

The most common symptom of a heart attack is a sensation of chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away. This is often described as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest. The pain may spread to other parts of the body, including the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach. You may also experience nausea or indigestion, as well as shortness of breath and sweating. It’s important to remember that the symptoms can range from very mild to very severe and that women experience heart attack symptoms differently than men.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you’re experiencing chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, or you have any other symptoms of a heart attack, it’s important to seek medical care immediately. The sooner you get help, the better your outcome is likely to be. Call 911 or have a friend take you to the hospital right away. In the meantime, try to stay as relaxed as possible and take slow deep breaths to reduce your heart rate. If you take medication for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, make sure to take those medications as prescribed.

If chest pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, nausea, vomiting, or abnormal heart rhythms, these should be treated as medical emergencies, and medical attention should be sought immediately. Remember, you should never wait to seek medical attention just in case. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out right away.

In many cases, medical attention can lead to a successful outcome and recovery. The best course of action is always to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and seek medical help immediately if you have any suspicions. Even minor symptoms should be taken seriously, and prompt medical attention can help save your life.