Symptoms of a heart attack

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Symptoms of a heart attack

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort or pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest. Pain may spread from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, or to one or both shoulders or arms.
Sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
A fast or irregular heartbeat.

Chest pain is a key warning sign of a heart attack. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. After calling 911 or other emergency services, you should chew 1 regular-strength aspirin (325 mg) unless you cannot take aspirin because of allergy or some other reason. By calling 911 and taking an ambulance to the hospital, you may be able to start treatment before you arrive at the hospital.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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