Signs of a heart attack
Common heart attack signs are chest pressure, squeezing or pain lasting more than a few minutes or coming back, pain spreading to an arm, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Some people, often women, older adults and people with diabetes, have milder or unusual signs. Call 911 right away rather than driving yourself.
About 10 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
Mark it once you can do it without this page open.
How to do it
- Take chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps returning seriously, even if it is mild.
- Call your local emergency number, 911 in the US, straight away; do not drive yourself or wait for it to pass.
- Sit down and rest in the most comfortable position while you wait.
- Follow the dispatcher's advice, including about any medicine.
- Unlock the door and turn on outside lights so paramedics can get in.
- If they collapse and stop breathing normally, begin hands-only CPR and have someone bring an AED.
Stop and call a professional if
- Call 911 for chest pain or pressure with any other sign, or any sign you are unsure about.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number, 911 in the US. Take a certified class to practice this with an instructor.
Common mistakes
- Telling yourself it is indigestion or a pulled muscle and waiting it out.
- Driving to the hospital instead of calling an ambulance.
- Ignoring signs that come and go.
- Not wanting to make a fuss in front of others.
Quick self-check
Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.
Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: Signs of a heart attack
What to say
Common heart attack signs are chest pressure, squeezing or pain lasting more than a few minutes or coming back, pain spreading to an arm, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Some people, often women, older adults and people with diabetes, have milder or unusual signs. Call 911 right away rather than driving yourself.
What to show, in order
- Take chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps returning seriously, even if it is mild.
- Call your local emergency number, 911 in the US, straight away; do not drive yourself or wait for it to pass.
- Sit down and rest in the most comfortable position while you wait.
- Follow the dispatcher's advice, including about any medicine.
- Unlock the door and turn on outside lights so paramedics can get in.
- If they collapse and stop breathing normally, begin hands-only CPR and have someone bring an AED.
When to stop and call a professional
- Call 911 for chest pain or pressure with any other sign, or any sign you are unsure about.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
The check question
Ask: Chest pressure has lasted ten minutes. What do you do?
Related skills
- How to do hands-only CPR
- How to use an AED
- What health checkups men need by age
- Every skill in First Aid and Emergencies
Words on this page
Sources
- National resuscitation and first aid guidelines, 2025 guidelines. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .