Symptoms vary widely from person to person. These are the common signs:
• Often begins with vague symptoms that slowly intensify
• Pain or discomfort can be relatively mild
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
• Feeling weak, lightheaded, faint, or sweaty
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea/vomiting
• Symptoms may come and go
Waiting to call 911 is the foremost reason patients don't receive treatment fast enough. If you experience symptoms, be sure to call 911 right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Heart attack patients play an important role in their own treatment. Dr. Sholl urges people to learn the symptoms of a heart attack and to call for help early, whether they think it's serious or not. The longer the heart goes without blood and oxygen, the more damage the patient suffers.