Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with only mild pain or discomfort. As a result, people often aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.

And women can experience different symptoms than men. They are more likely than men to suffer a heart attack without chest pain.

It’s important to learn the signs of a heart attack and get checked out by a doctor if you experience any — even if you’re not sure.

Don’t wait more that five minutes to call 911 if you think you’re having a heart attack. It’s the fastest way to get life-saving treatment. Emergency medical staff can begin treatment when they arrive, which could be up to an hour sooner than getting to the hospital by car.

Patients with chest pain also usually receive faster treatment in the emergency room when they arrive by ambulance.

Signs of a heart attack

Chest discomfort is a classic sign. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body is another sign. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Other signs include shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, breaking out in a cold sweat, and nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Source: American Heart Association