Most commonly, signs of a heart attack include chest pain that suddenly occurs and doesn’t go away.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) elaborates: “It may feel like pressure, squeezing or heaviness in your chest. It can feel like indigestion or a burning sensation.”
Such pain may spread to either arm, the neck, jaw, back or stomach; this may be accompanied by a sense of nausea, light-headedness, and shortness of breath.
“If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described, it’s vital you dial 999 immediately for an ambulance,” the BHF says.
There can be other “less common” signs of a heart attack, such as:
- A sudden feeling of anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack
- Excessive coughing or wheezing due to a build-up of fluid in the lungs.
Pain levels can vary from person to person, so what one person might describe as severe pain, another might describe it as uncomfortable.
The BHF says: “Heart attack symptoms can persist over days, or they can come on suddenly and unexpectedly.”
Even if you are not sure whether you could be experiencing a heart attack or not, “dial 999 immediately”, the BHF advises.
“It’s really important that you seek medical attention regardless as quickly as possible,” the BHF stresses.
The BHF states you should call for an ambulance if your chest pain:
- Is sudden
- Spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw
- Feels heavy or tight.
Once at the hospital, an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be carried out to measure the electrical activity of the heart, which can diagnose a heart attack, the NHS says.
The treatment for a heart attack will depend on which type of heart attack you had.
Your healthcare team will work with you on an individual basis to determine the best next steps.
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