Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms

There are typical (common) and atypical (unusual) signs and symptoms of heart attack, as well as acute (immediate) and chronic (long-term).

 Read
Join Helpful now
Get more personalized support for free with Helpful.

Get insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one place

Heart Attacks Signs & Symptoms

Helpful Highlights

In an emergency

If your loved one experiences symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 for emergency services (EMS) transport to the hospital. Do not wait and do not drive them to the hospital yourself. An ambulance ride could be the difference between life and death.

Steps you can take before EMS arrival

Call 9-1-1 for EMS help and ambulance transport to the hospital.

If your loved one is already prescribed nitroglycerin, you may give them nitroglycerin as prescribed while awaiting emergency services.

What to do in the event of a heart attack

If your loved one is unconscious and you think they may be having a heart attack, first call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and put them on speaker so you can talk and work. Then check if your loved one is breathing and has a pulse, as the emergency operator will ask. If the person isn't breathing or you don't find a pulse, only then should you begin CPR.

Jugular Pulse Check Placement

Acute vs. chronic signs and symptoms

A heart attack occurs when one or more arteries that send blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked. Fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits build up over time, forming plaques in these coronary arteries. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block arteries, causing a heart attack.

Symptoms may appear hours (acute), days (chronic), or even weeks (chronic) before a heart attack, though sometimes the symptoms only occur immediately with it (acute). This list represents both. About two-thirds of people experience one or more of the following:

Another one-third of people, predominantly women, persons with diabetes, and the old-old, experience unusual symptoms:

As you can see, symptoms of a heart attack vary. Some people have mild symptoms. Others have severe symptoms. Some people have no symptoms.

It’s important to note that not all people who have heart attacks experience the same symptoms or the same severity of symptoms.

Chest pain is the most commonly reported symptom among both women and men, however.

Join Helpful now

Get more support and guidance on insurance benefits, medical records and legal forms.

Helpful brings together your insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one personalized place — so you always know what you have, and never have to search again.

banner

Simplifying Healthcare, Supporting Mental Health

An all-in-one solution to help navigate the complexities of healthcare and support for mental health, for you or your loved one.

sync

Manage All Your Health Info in One Place

Learn More

therapy

In-Network Mental Healthcare

Find a Therapist

legal

Create Legal Documents to Guide Your Care

Learn More

call insurance

Let Us Call Your Insurance So You Don't Have To

Learn More

insurance

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

Learn More

money

Manage a Health Condition with Confidence

Learn More