Most of us believe that a heart attack will happen as we have seen in the movies...a dramatic event where a man breaks into a sweat, suddenly clutches his chest in agony and falls over. In real life, that's not usually the way a heart attack happens. Many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort.

Here are the signs and symptoms of heart attack for both men and women:

• Chest discomfort, usually in the center of the chest, which lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with activities of daily living
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Sweating
• Nausea and/or vomiting

It is important to note that you may not have all these signs, and that sometimes they may subside and return. The most important factor in surviving a heart attack is getting help quickly. The treatment advances that may save your life, minimize damage to the heart, and improve patient outcomes work best if given very soon after the start of warning signs.

Remember: When one or all of these signs and symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 and get help immediately.

If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us at DHVHinfo@shp-dayton.org.