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What Heart Attack?
Recognizing an Attack May Not Be as Easy as You Think
 Imagine a heart attack. Likely, you are picturing someone clutching his chest and falling to the floor. Due to popular misconceptions, many people associate heart attacks with a sudden devastating pain and incapacity. However, heart attacks can be much more subtle, causing symptoms that feel mild and can easily be ignored. The obvious and most talked about symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest, but other problems may spell trouble. According to the American Heart Association, common symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Shortness of breath – If you experience any difficulty breathing, you should suspect that something is wrong. Don't wait for it to get worse. This symptom can occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Symptoms in other areas of the body – You may not experience chest pain, but you may feel discomfort in your arms, your back/neck, your jaw, or your stomach.
- Other signs - Nausea/vomiting, lightheadedness, or suddenly breaking out in a cold sweat can all indicate a heart attack.
If you feel the onset of chest discomfort, especially in combination with any of the symptoms above, call 9-1-1 right away. Remember, chest pain may be mild and come and go, but even mild pain can indicate a serious problem. If you feel that something isn't right, it probably isn't. Women should also take note that the onset of vague symptoms such as nausea and shortness of breath are more common in heart attacks in females than the onset of sudden, intense chest pain. Know your body and get help if you have any suspicion that you may be experiencing heart trouble. The sooner you get to the hospital, the better your chances of survival. Many people think they are overreacting when they experience a combination of mild symptoms and wait too long to get help. Your body will tell you when something is wrong - you just need to remember to listen.
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