Early intervention can minimize the amount of damage that can be done to the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack may seem subtle at first, but can worsen quickly. The key is listening to your body, and not ignoring its warning signs.

• Chest discomfort—including uncomfortable pressure, tightness or squeezing in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes in waves
• Shortness of breath; often occurs with, or before, chest discomfort
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Sweating, nausea or dizziness
• Women, the elderly or diabetics are more likely to present with symptoms other than chest pain—such as shortness of breath, back pain, nausea and vomiting.

If you believe you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. If you are having symptoms and cannot call, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. Never drive yourself.