Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack

  • Squeezing chest pain
  • Problems breathing
  • Abdominal or back pain (more common in women)
  • Cold, sweaty skin
  • Skin that is bluish or paler than normal
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Denial
  • Jaw pain

Note: Not everyone experiences chest pain during a heart attack.

During a heart attack, many women, elderly people, and people with diabetes tend to experience "soft signs", including:

  • Mild, unfocused chest discomfort that:
    • Comes and goes
    • Doesn't feel like pain
    • Starts mild and gets continually stronger
    • Gets better with rest
    • Gets worse with activity
  • Tiredness
  • Gastric discomfort
  • Flu-like symptoms

Note: Men may have these signs as well.