If you think you or someone near you is having a heart attack, call 911 now. Don't wait to see if the symptoms go away [S1].
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. If the blood flow isn't restored in time, that part of the heart muscle begins to die [S2]. That's why acting fast matters.
The most common warning signs
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), warning signs of a heart attack include [S1]:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs, such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness or lightheadedness.
Chest pain doesn't always feel like "pain." The 2021 AHA/ACC chest pain guideline notes it can be felt as pressure, tightness, squeezing, heaviness or burning, in the chest or in the shoulder, arm, neck, upper abdomen or jaw [S3].
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. Others start slowly, with mild discomfort [S1].
Signs in women
Chest pain or discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom in women, just as in men [S1][S3]. But women may also have other symptoms, such as anxiety, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach, pain in the shoulder, back or arm, or unusual tiredness and weakness [S1]. The chest pain guideline also notes that women more often report nausea, palpitations and shortness of breath [S3].
Why call 911 instead of driving
The AHA says calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment [S1]:
- Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive.
- EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped.
- People who arrive by ambulance often get faster treatment at the hospital.
The chest pain guideline likewise says patients with acute chest pain should call 9-1-1 to be transported by EMS [S3].
If you're not sure
Not all chest pain is a heart attack. But if you have chest pain or discomfort, see a health care professional right away [S2]. The AHA advises: even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out [S1]. Call 911.
After an emergency
For ongoing care, talk with a primary care professional about your heart health.
Questions in Miami?
FE Medical Center offers primary care visits. For a possible heart attack, call 911; do not call or come to the clinic. FE Medical Center, 7800 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33155, (305) 703-3710 · Book an appointment: https://www.femedicalcenter.com/contact
Individual results vary. This article is general health information. It does not replace an evaluation by a licensed health care professional and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
FAQ
What are the first signs of a heart attack?
The most common sign is discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, felt as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Other signs include discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness [S1].
Are heart attack signs different in women?
Chest pain is the most common symptom in women too. Women may also have symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back or arm pain, or unusual tiredness [S1][S3].
Should I drive myself to the hospital?
No. The AHA says calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get treatment [S1].
Sources
[S1] American Heart Association. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Last reviewed Dec 12, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack · accessed Oct 22, 2026.
[S2] American Heart Association. What is a Heart Attack? Last reviewed Dec 10, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks · accessed Oct 22, 2026.
[S3] Gulati M, Levy PD, Mukherjee D, et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 2021;144:e368–e454. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029 · accessed Oct 22, 2026.