Common Heart Attack Symptoms

Common heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It may be persistent or come and go.
Pain or discomfort in the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest pain.
Cold sweat
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect you may be having a heart attack, don't wait to get help. Heart attacks are not always sudden or intense – paying attention to your symptoms and acting quickly could save your life.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Chest pain or discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom for men and women, but women may experience other symptoms that are less apparent.

Heart attack symptoms in women may include:

Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It may be persistent or come and go. Women may not always experience chest pain.
Persistent pain in the upper body, including the back, neck, jaw or shoulder blades.
Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest pain.
Cold sweat
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
Indigestion or heartburn
Extreme fatigue or lethargy
Unexplained anxiety

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

What to Do if You Think You're Having a Heart Attack

If you think you're having a heart attack, here are the steps you should take:

Call 9-1-1 or a local emergency resource immediately and follow instructions given by the operator or first responders.
Have someone drive you to the nearest hospital or emergency room if emergency services are unavailable.
Drive yourself to the hospital only if no other options are available.

When Minutes Matter

Baptist Health System offers accredited care at each of our six hospitals in San Antonio and New Braunfels. All locations are designated as Chest Pain Centers by the American College of Cardiology, providing high-quality heart care services.