Heart Attack – Signs and Symptoms
Experiencing signs and symptoms is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong with your cardiovascular system. These signs can be different for both men and women and can even vary between individuals.
Many people experience symptoms before a heart attack or major heart event. Early treatment can help prevent or reduce the damage caused by this type of event.
That’s why it’s so important to get help early. Stop what you are doing and call 911 or contact a local emergency number if you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms:
- Angina/chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, burning or heaviness)
- Excessive sweating
- Upper body discomfort (neck, jaw, shoulder, arms and back)
- Radiating pain
- Nausea or indigestion
- Shortness of breath or laboured breathing
- Light-headedness or dizziness
Please visit Heart and Stroke Canada for more information about cardiac signs and symptoms. You can learn about your risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease here.
