Heart Attack Symptoms and Signs

Classic symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• chest pain associated with shortness of breath,
  
  
• profuse sweating, and
  
  
• nausea.

The chest pain may be described as tightness, fullness, a pressure, or an ache.
Unfortunately, many people do not have these classic signs. Other signs and symptoms of heart attack may include:

• indigestion,
  
  
• jaw ache,
  
  
• pain only in the shoulders or arms,
  
  
• shortness of breath, or
  
  
• nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete, since many times people can experience a heart attack with minimal symptoms. In women and the elderly, heart attack symptoms can be atypical and sometimes so vague they are easily missed. The only complaint may be extreme weakness or fatigue.
Pain may also radiate from the chest to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or back and be associated with shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.