Heart Attack Warning Signs WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK? The most common warning signs of a heart attack are the following: Uncomfortable pressure, heavy feeling, fullness, squeezing or pain in your chest that lasts a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain that either starts in or spreads to your arms, shoulders, neck, back, teeth and/or jaw that is not due to another obvious reason. Chest or another type of pain along with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea and/or shortness of breath. Less common warning signs of a heart attack are the following (common in the elderly and diabetic): Stomach or abdominal pain such as indigestion  Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness  Shortness of breath, weakness or fatigue  Unexplained anxiety or feeling of "impending doom" Unexplained palpitations, cold sweats and/or paleness. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE ONE OF THESE SIGNS? Having chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, or one of the other warning signs listed above may indicate your heart is not getting enough blood flow.  You could be having a heart attack or at risk of having a heart attack in the very near future.  Planning in advance what you would do if you have chest pain or one of these other warning signs, can save your life.  Discuss your plan with your doctor and family. Take Action Immediately If you are suffering a heart attack, every minute counts.  Do not waste time!  If you have chest pain similar in quality to the pain that brought you to the hospital, stop what you are doing, rest and follow these instructions.  If you have a different type of chest pain, have unexplained shortness of breath or one of the other heart attack warning signs you should also follow these instructions. If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets take 1 tablet and place it under your tongue.  If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin spray, use that as instructed instead.  Wait 5 minutes and if the pain has not been relieved, take another tablet or spray.  Again wait 5 minutes and if the pain is still not relieved, take one more tablet or spray (maximum of 3 over 15 minutes). However, if the pain is not relieved within 10 minutes of rest or nitroglycerin, you should seek transportation to the nearest Emergency Department either by ambulance (i.e. call 911) or the fastest transportation means available.  Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Do not delay seeking medical attention by trying to reach your doctor’s office by phone.  If your symptoms are severe do not even wait 10 minutes for rest and/or nitroglycerin to work before calling 911. While waiting for the ambulance, chew one 325 mg aspirin tablet, unless you are allergic or have been told not to take it. When you arrive at the hospital, tell them, “I have chest pain and I think I am having a heart attack,” so you will get immediate attention. Do not worry about a “false alarm.”  If it turns out that it is not a heart attack, your family and health care team members will be glad you played it safe and will be just as relieved as you are that it is a false alarm.  If it turns out that you are having a heart attack, getting to the hospital quickly will allow your doctors to limit the amount of heart damage and make it more likely that you will quickly recover.  HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? Talk to your cardiologist, primary medical doctor, nurse or other health care professional.  Or call your local American Heart Association at (800) 242-8721.  The American Heart Association also has a web site you can visit at www.americanheart.org with more information on heart attack and stroke.