Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack
- Squeezing chest pain
- Problems breathing
- Abdominal or back pain (more common in women)
- Cold, sweaty skin
- Skin that is bluish or paler than normal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Denial
- Jaw pain
Note: Not everyone experiences chest pain during a heart attack.
During a heart attack, many women, elderly people, and people with diabetes tend to experience "soft signs", including:
-
Mild, unfocused chest discomfort that:
- Comes and goes
- Doesn't feel like pain
- Starts mild and gets continually stronger
- Gets better with rest
- Gets worse with activity
- Tiredness
- Gastric discomfort
- Flu-like symptoms
Note: Men may have these signs as well.