Heart Attack Warning Signs

Put Your Heart in the Right Place

To talk with the heart and vascular specialists at Cottage Health, please visit the Cottage Heart & Vascular Physician team page.

Heart attacks happen when oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the heart because of a blockage. Most start slowly. Recognize the warning signs and get help quickly. Minutes can save lives.

Minutes Can Save Lives—Call 911

If you or someone else experiences any of the warning signs of heart attack, call 911 right away. Wait for an ambulance. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.

Symptoms—outlined by the American Heart Association—may include:

• Discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or continues to come and go
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Breaking into a cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness