🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa068)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack","crawl_time":1775044641,"first_indexed_time":1506117002,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Warning Signs of a Heart Attack: Shortness of Breath and Others","meta_descriptions":["Did you know you could have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? Heart attacks can produce a number of different signs and sensations, especially in women."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"A heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others.\nDid you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain?\nHeart failure\nand\nheart disease\ndon’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women.\nThe heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A\nheart attack\n(often called a\nmyocardial infarction\n) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly.\nHeart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a\nblood clot\n, breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.\nLess commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle.\nThere are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including:\nage\nheredity\nhigh blood pressure\nhigh cholesterol\nobesity\npoor diet\nexcessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men)\nstress\nphysical inactivity\nA heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack.\nMost people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack.\nChest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest.\nSome people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen.\nIf you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately.\nPain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including:\nupper abdomen\nshoulder\nback\nneck\/throat\nteeth or\njaw\nAccording to the\nAmerican Heart Association\n, women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest.\nThe pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body.\nUpper back pain\nis another symptom women more commonly cite than men.\nSweating\nmore than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor.\nNight sweats\nare also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women.\nA heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong.\nFatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue.\nYour breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath.\nShortness of breath\ncan sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women.\nLightheadedness\nand\ndizziness\ncan occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it.\nHeart palpitations\ncan range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack.\nHeart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or\nanxiety\n, especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest.\nChanges in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring.\nOften people begin experiencing mild\nindigestion\nand other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as\nheartburn\nor another food-related complication.\nIf you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on.\nIf you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately.\nIt’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance.\nWhile you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly.\nAfter you call emergency services\nWhen you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a\nblood thinner\nand you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have\nnitroglycerin\ntablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain.\nIf you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care.\nAt the hospital\nWhen you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an\nelectrocardiogram (EKG)\n. This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity.\nIf you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart.\nIf you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms.\nWhat are the signs of heart failure in your feet?\nSwelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure.\nWhat are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing?\nThe 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are:\nfatigue\nreduced stamina (can’t do as much)\northopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat)\ncoughing\nedema or ankle swelling\nSee your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.\nWhat happens to your feet before a heart attack?\nThere are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely.\nThere are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include:\nswelling in your feet, ankles, or both\nfoot sores that are slow to heal\ntoenails that grow slower than usual\none foot is colder than the other\nweak pulse in one foot or both\nWhat signs do you get a month before a heart attack?\nSymptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called\nangina\nor\nprodromal symptoms\n, and they may include:\nchest pain\ntiredness\nsleepiness\nanxiety\narm weakness\narm pain\nAccording to the\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\n, an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and\nstroke\nare preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future.\nPeople who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack.\nSometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an\nantiplatelet\n(anticlot) medication like\nclopidogrel\n(Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or\nticagrelor\n(Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/multiple-sclerosis)\n  - 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[Future of Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/video\/future-of-health)\n- Connect\n  Find Your Bezzy Community\n  \n  Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.bezzy.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease.png) Inflammatory Bowel Disease](https:\/\/www.bezzyibd.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Multiple-Sclerosis.png) Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.bezzyms.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bezzy-DEP-Icon-Circle.png) Depression](https:\/\/www.bezzydepression.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bezzy-MIG-Icon-Circle.png) Migraine](https:\/\/www.bezzymigraine.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Bezzy-T2D-Icon-Circle.png) Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.bezzyt2d.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bezzy-PsO.png) Psoriasis](https:\/\/www.bezzypsoriasis.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  Follow us on social media\n  \n  Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.\n\nSubscribe\n\n[Sexual Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health)\n\n- [Birth control](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/birth-control)\n- [STIs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/sexually-transmitted-infections)\n- [HIV](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/hiv-aids)\n- [HSV](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/oral-genital-herpes)\n- [Activity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/sexual-activity)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sexual-health\/relationships-intimacy)\n\n# Warning Signs of a Heart Attack\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Dan-Jennings-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Daniel Jennings, PA-C]() — Written by [Brian Krans]() —  [Updated on April 11, 2024]()\n\n- [Chest pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#chest-pain)\n- [Body pains](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#body-pains)\n- [Sweating](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#sweating)\n- [Fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#fatigue)\n- [Shortness of breath](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#shortness-of-breath)\n- [Lightheadedness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#lightheadedness)\n- [Heart palpitations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#heart-palpitations)\n- [Indigestion](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#indigestion)\n- [See a doctor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#see-a-doctor)\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#faq)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/warning-signs-heart-attack#prevention)\n\nA heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others.\n\nDid you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? [Heart failure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-failure) and [heart disease](http:\/\/healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease) don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women.\n\nThe heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A [heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-attack) (often called a [myocardial infarction](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/acute-myocardial-infarction)) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly.\n\nHeart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a [blood clot](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-blood-clot), breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.\n\nLess commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle.\n\nThere are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including:\n\n- age\n- heredity\n- [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-blood-pressure-hypertension)\n- [high cholesterol](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-cholesterol)\n- [obesity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/obesity)\n- poor diet\n- excessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men)\n- [stress](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stress)\n- [physical inactivity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/exercise-statistics)\n\nA heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack.\n\n## [Chest pain, pressure, and discomfort]()\nMost people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack.\n\nChest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest.\n\nSome people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen.\n\nIf you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately.\n\n## [Not just chest pain]()\nPain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including:\n\n- upper abdomen\n- [shoulder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/shoulder-pain)\n- [back](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/back-pain)\n- neck\/throat\n- teeth or [jaw](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/jaw-pain)\n\nAccording to the [American Heart Association](http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/Conditions\/HeartAttack\/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack\/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V7IOV2P4PzJ), women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest.\n\nThe pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body. [Upper back pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/back-pain\/upper-back-and-chest-pain) is another symptom women more commonly cite than men.\n\n## [Sweating day and night]()\n[Sweating](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hyperhidrosis) more than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor.\n\n[Night sweats](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/night-sweats) are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women.\n\n## [Fatigue]()\n[Fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/fatigue) can be a less commonly recognized heart attack sign in women. According to the [American Heart Association](http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/Conditions\/HeartAttack\/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack\/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V1m25WPNtFJ), some women may even think their heart attack symptoms are [flu-like symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/flu-symptoms).\n\nA heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong.\n\nFatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue.\n\n## [Shortness of breath]()\nYour breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath.\n\n[Shortness of breath](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/shortness-of-breath) can sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women.\n\n## [Lightheadedness]()\n[Lightheadedness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/lightheadedness) and [dizziness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/dizziness) can occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it.\n\n## [Heart palpitations]()\n[Heart palpitations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/palpitations) can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack.\n\nHeart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety), especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest.\n\nChanges in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring.\n\n## [Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting]()\nOften people begin experiencing mild [indigestion](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/indigestion) and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as [heartburn](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/heartburn) or another food-related complication.\n\nIf you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on.\n\n## [What you should do during a heart attack]()\nIf you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately. **It’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance.** While you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly.\n\n### After you call emergency services\nWhen you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a [blood thinner](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/blood-thinners) and you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have [nitroglycerin](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/nitroglycerin-sublingual-tablet) tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain.\n\nIf you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care.\n\n### At the hospital\nWhen you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/electrocardiogram). This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity.\n\nIf you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart.\n\nIf you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms.\n\n## [Frequently asked questions]()\n### What are the signs of heart failure in your feet?\nSwelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure.\n\n### What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing?\nThe 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are:\n\n- fatigue\n- reduced stamina (can’t do as much)\n- orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat)\n- coughing\n- edema or ankle swelling\n\nSee your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.\n\n### What happens to your feet before a heart attack?\nThere are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely.\n\nThere are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include:\n\n- swelling in your feet, ankles, or both\n- foot sores that are slow to heal\n- toenails that grow slower than usual\n- one foot is colder than the other\n- weak pulse in one foot or both\n### What signs do you get a month before a heart attack?\nSymptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called [angina](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/can-you-die-from-angina) or [prodromal symptoms](https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260), and they may include:\n\n- chest pain\n- tiredness\n- sleepiness\n- anxiety\n- arm weakness\n- arm pain\n\n## [How to prevent future heart problems]()\nAccording to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vitalsigns\/heartdisease-stroke\/), an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and [stroke](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke) are preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future.\n\nPeople who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack.\n\nSometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an [antiplatelet](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anticoagulant-and-antiplatelet-drugs) (anticlot) medication like [clopidogrel](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/clopidogrel-oral-tablet) (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or [ticagrelor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/ticagrelor-oral-tablet) (Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack.\n\n[Read the article in Spanish](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/es\/sintomas-de-infarto).\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/process).\n\n- Aspirin and heart disease. (2017).  \n  <http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/Conditions\/HeartAttack\/PreventionTreatmentofHeartAttack\/Aspirin-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_321714_Article.jsp#.V1CgZ5MrJTY>\n- Heart attack symptoms in women. (2017).  \n  <http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/Conditions\/HeartAttack\/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack\/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V1CgLpMrJTY>\n- Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms. (n.d.).  \n  <https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-failure\/warning-signs-of-heart-failure>\n- Kahn N, et al (202 ). Prodromal symptoms for acute coronary syndrome in men and women.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260>\n- Make the effort to prevent heart disease with life’s simple 7. (2016).  \n  <http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/HealthyLiving\/Make-the-Effort-to-Prevent-Heart-Disease-with-Lifes-Simple-7_UCM_443750_Article.jsp#.V1nARWPNtFI>\n- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Heart attack symptoms: Know what’s a medicalemergency.   \n  <http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/heart-attack\/in-depth\/heart-attack-symptoms\/art-20047744>\n- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Heart attack: First aid.  \n  <http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/first-aid\/first-aid-heart-attack\/basics\/art-20056679>\n- Night sweats. (n.d.).  \n  <http:\/\/www.sweathelp.org\/where-do-you-sweat\/other-sweating\/night-sweats.html>\n- Preventable deaths from heart disease and stroke. (2013).  \n  <http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vitalsigns\/heartdisease-stroke\/>\n- Skipping a beat — The surprise of heart palpitations. (2017).  \n  <https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/heart-disease-overview\/skipping-a-beat--the-surprise-of-palpitations>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Dan-Jennings-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Daniel Jennings, PA-C]() — Written by [Brian Krans]() —  [Updated on April 11, 2024]()\n\n## related stories\n- [Types of Heart Attacks: What You Should Know](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Symptoms of a Heart Attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Blood Pressure Changes During a Heart Attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Signs of Heart Problems During Exercise](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/problems-during-exercise?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Is It a Stroke or a Heart Attack?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke-vs-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n### Read this next\n- [Types of Heart Attacks: What You Should Know](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [What's the difference between a major, minor, and silent heart attack? Learn when to see a doctor and how to treat or prevent heart attacks.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Symptoms of a Heart Attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Dr. Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [The symptoms of heart attack can vary, depending on your age, sex, and health history. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and get help early.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Blood Pressure Changes During a Heart Attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Graham Rogers, M.D.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [It's possible to see some blood pressure changes during a heart attack, but can a change in blood pressure be a warning sign for a heart attack? Find…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Signs of Heart Problems During Exercise](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/problems-during-exercise?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Learn the signs of heart problems during exercise, including: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, and light-headedness.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/problems-during-exercise?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/problems-during-exercise?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Is It a Stroke or a Heart Attack?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke-vs-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Stroke and heart attack are medical emergencies. Learn the symptoms of both and when to get help.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke-vs-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke-vs-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Fun Facts About the Heart You Didn’t Know](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fun-facts-about-the-heart?utm_source=ReadNext)[READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fun-facts-about-the-heart?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [The Best Autism Blogs of 2021](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/autism\/best-blogs-of-the-year?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Whether you’re parenting a child with signs of autism spectrum disorder or you’re an adult living with autism, it’s essential to have the right…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/autism\/best-blogs-of-the-year?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/autism\/best-blogs-of-the-year?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What To Do If You Miss a Dose of Your Pet's Medication](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/missed-dose-of-pet-medication?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPH](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Learn about whether missing a pet's dose puts them at risk and what to do if you forget to give them their medication.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/missed-dose-of-pet-medication?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/missed-dose-of-pet-medication?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Service Dogs Help People with Hearing Loss?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hearing-loss-service-dogs?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Yes, there are medical service dogs specifically trained to help those with hearing loss. 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[See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"A heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others.\n\nDid you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? [Heart failure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-failure) and [heart disease](http:\/\/healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease) don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women.\n\nThe heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A [heart attack](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-attack) (often called a [myocardial infarction](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/acute-myocardial-infarction)) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly.\n\nHeart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a [blood clot](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-blood-clot), breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.\n\nLess commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle.\n\nThere are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including:\n\n- age\n- heredity\n- [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-blood-pressure-hypertension)\n- [high cholesterol](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-cholesterol)\n- [obesity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/obesity)\n- poor diet\n- excessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men)\n- [stress](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stress)\n- [physical inactivity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/exercise-statistics)\n\nA heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack.\n\nMost people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack.\n\nChest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest.\n\nSome people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen.\n\nIf you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately.\n\nPain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including:\n\n- upper abdomen\n- [shoulder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/shoulder-pain)\n- [back](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/back-pain)\n- neck\/throat\n- teeth or [jaw](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/jaw-pain)\n\nAccording to the [American Heart Association](http:\/\/www.heart.org\/HEARTORG\/Conditions\/HeartAttack\/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack\/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V7IOV2P4PzJ), women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest.\n\nThe pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body. [Upper back pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/back-pain\/upper-back-and-chest-pain) is another symptom women more commonly cite than men.\n\n[Sweating](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hyperhidrosis) more than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor.\n\n[Night sweats](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/night-sweats) are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women.\n\nA heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong.\n\nFatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue.\n\nYour breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath.\n\n[Shortness of breath](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/shortness-of-breath) can sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women.\n\n[Lightheadedness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/lightheadedness) and [dizziness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/dizziness) can occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it.\n\n[Heart palpitations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/palpitations) can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack.\n\nHeart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety), especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest.\n\nChanges in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring.\n\nOften people begin experiencing mild [indigestion](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/indigestion) and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as [heartburn](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/heartburn) or another food-related complication.\n\nIf you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on.\n\nIf you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately. **It’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance.** While you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly.\n\nAfter you call emergency services\n\nWhen you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a [blood thinner](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/blood-thinners) and you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have [nitroglycerin](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/nitroglycerin-sublingual-tablet) tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain.\n\nIf you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care.\n\nAt the hospital\n\nWhen you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/electrocardiogram). This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity.\n\nIf you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart.\n\nIf you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms.\n\nWhat are the signs of heart failure in your feet?\n\nSwelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure.\n\nWhat are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing?\n\nThe 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are:\n\n- fatigue\n- reduced stamina (can’t do as much)\n- orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat)\n- coughing\n- edema or ankle swelling\n\nSee your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.\n\nWhat happens to your feet before a heart attack?\n\nThere are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely.\n\nThere are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include:\n\n- swelling in your feet, ankles, or both\n- foot sores that are slow to heal\n- toenails that grow slower than usual\n- one foot is colder than the other\n- weak pulse in one foot or both\n\nWhat signs do you get a month before a heart attack?\n\nSymptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called [angina](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/heart-disease\/can-you-die-from-angina) or [prodromal symptoms](https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260), and they may include:\n\n- chest pain\n- tiredness\n- sleepiness\n- anxiety\n- arm weakness\n- arm pain\n\nAccording to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vitalsigns\/heartdisease-stroke\/), an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and [stroke](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/stroke) are preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future.\n\nPeople who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack.\n\nSometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an [antiplatelet](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anticoagulant-and-antiplatelet-drugs) (anticlot) medication like [clopidogrel](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/clopidogrel-oral-tablet) (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or [ticagrelor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/ticagrelor-oral-tablet) (Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack
Last Crawled	2026-04-01 11:57:21 (18 days ago)
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Meta Title	Warning Signs of a Heart Attack: Shortness of Breath and Others
Meta Description	Did you know you could have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? Heart attacks can produce a number of different signs and sensations, especially in women.
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Boilerpipe Text	A heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others. Did you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? Heart failure and heart disease don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women. The heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A heart attack (often called a myocardial infarction ) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Heart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a blood clot , breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack. Less commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle. There are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including: age heredity high blood pressure high cholesterol obesity poor diet excessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men) stress physical inactivity A heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack. Most people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack. Chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest. Some people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen. If you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately. Pain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including: upper abdomen shoulder back neck/throat teeth or jaw According to the American Heart Association , women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest. The pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body. Upper back pain is another symptom women more commonly cite than men. Sweating more than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor. Night sweats are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. A heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue. Your breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath. Shortness of breath can sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women. Lightheadedness and dizziness can occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it. Heart palpitations can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack. Heart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or anxiety , especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest. Changes in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring. Often people begin experiencing mild indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as heartburn or another food-related complication. If you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on. If you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately. It’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance. While you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly. After you call emergency services When you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a blood thinner and you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have nitroglycerin tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain. If you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care. At the hospital When you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an electrocardiogram (EKG) . This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity. If you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart. If you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms. What are the signs of heart failure in your feet? Swelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure. What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing? The 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are: fatigue reduced stamina (can’t do as much) orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat) coughing edema or ankle swelling See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms. What happens to your feet before a heart attack? There are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely. There are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include: swelling in your feet, ankles, or both foot sores that are slow to heal toenails that grow slower than usual one foot is colder than the other weak pulse in one foot or both What signs do you get a month before a heart attack? Symptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called angina or prodromal symptoms , and they may include: chest pain tiredness sleepiness anxiety arm weakness arm pain According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke are preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future. People who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack. Sometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an antiplatelet (anticlot) medication like clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or ticagrelor (Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack.
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Subscribe [Sexual Health](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health) - [Birth control](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/birth-control) - [STIs](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/sexually-transmitted-infections) - [HIV](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/hiv-aids) - [HSV](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/oral-genital-herpes) - [Activity](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/sexual-activity) - [Relationships](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health/relationships-intimacy) # Warning Signs of a Heart Attack ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dan-Jennings-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Daniel Jennings, PA-C]() — Written by [Brian Krans]() — [Updated on April 11, 2024]() - [Chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#chest-pain) - [Body pains](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#body-pains) - [Sweating](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#sweating) - [Fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#fatigue) - [Shortness of breath](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#shortness-of-breath) - [Lightheadedness](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#lightheadedness) - [Heart palpitations](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#heart-palpitations) - [Indigestion](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#indigestion) - [See a doctor](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#see-a-doctor) - [FAQ](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#faq) - [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/warning-signs-heart-attack#prevention) A heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others. Did you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? [Heart failure](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-failure) and [heart disease](http://healthline.com/health/heart-disease) don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women. The heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A [heart attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-attack) (often called a [myocardial infarction](https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-myocardial-infarction)) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Heart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a [blood clot](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-blood-clot), breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack. Less commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle. There are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including: - age - heredity - [high blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension) - [high cholesterol](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol) - [obesity](https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity) - poor diet - excessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men) - [stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress) - [physical inactivity](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-statistics) A heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack. ## [Chest pain, pressure, and discomfort]() Most people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack. Chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest. Some people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen. If you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately. ## [Not just chest pain]() Pain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including: - upper abdomen - [shoulder](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/shoulder-pain) - [back](https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain) - neck/throat - teeth or [jaw](https://www.healthline.com/health/jaw-pain) According to the [American Heart Association](http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V7IOV2P4PzJ), women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest. The pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body. [Upper back pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/upper-back-and-chest-pain) is another symptom women more commonly cite than men. ## [Sweating day and night]() [Sweating](https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperhidrosis) more than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor. [Night sweats](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/night-sweats) are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. ## [Fatigue]() [Fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/fatigue) can be a less commonly recognized heart attack sign in women. According to the [American Heart Association](http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V1m25WPNtFJ), some women may even think their heart attack symptoms are [flu-like symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/flu-symptoms). A heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue. ## [Shortness of breath]() Your breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath. [Shortness of breath](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/shortness-of-breath) can sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women. ## [Lightheadedness]() [Lightheadedness](https://www.healthline.com/health/lightheadedness) and [dizziness](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/dizziness) can occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it. ## [Heart palpitations]() [Heart palpitations](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/palpitations) can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack. Heart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety), especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest. Changes in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring. ## [Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting]() Often people begin experiencing mild [indigestion](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/indigestion) and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as [heartburn](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/heartburn) or another food-related complication. If you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on. ## [What you should do during a heart attack]() If you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately. It’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance. While you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly. ### After you call emergency services When you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a [blood thinner](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/blood-thinners) and you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have [nitroglycerin](https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/nitroglycerin-sublingual-tablet) tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain. If you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care. ### At the hospital When you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram). This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity. If you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart. If you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms. ## [Frequently asked questions]() ### What are the signs of heart failure in your feet? Swelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure. ### What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing? The 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are: - fatigue - reduced stamina (can’t do as much) - orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat) - coughing - edema or ankle swelling See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms. ### What happens to your feet before a heart attack? There are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely. There are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include: - swelling in your feet, ankles, or both - foot sores that are slow to heal - toenails that grow slower than usual - one foot is colder than the other - weak pulse in one foot or both ### What signs do you get a month before a heart attack? Symptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called [angina](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/can-you-die-from-angina) or [prodromal symptoms](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260), and they may include: - chest pain - tiredness - sleepiness - anxiety - arm weakness - arm pain ## [How to prevent future heart problems]() According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heartdisease-stroke/), an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and [stroke](https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke) are preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future. People who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack. Sometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an [antiplatelet](https://www.healthline.com/health/anticoagulant-and-antiplatelet-drugs) (anticlot) medication like [clopidogrel](https://www.healthline.com/health/clopidogrel-oral-tablet) (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or [ticagrelor](https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ticagrelor-oral-tablet) (Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack. [Read the article in Spanish](https://www.healthline.com/health/es/sintomas-de-infarto). ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Aspirin and heart disease. (2017). <http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHeartAttack/Aspirin-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_321714_Article.jsp#.V1CgZ5MrJTY> - Heart attack symptoms in women. (2017). <http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V1CgLpMrJTY> - Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms. (n.d.). <https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure> - Kahn N, et al (202 ). Prodromal symptoms for acute coronary syndrome in men and women. <https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260> - Make the effort to prevent heart disease with life’s simple 7. (2016). <http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/Make-the-Effort-to-Prevent-Heart-Disease-with-Lifes-Simple-7_UCM_443750_Article.jsp#.V1nARWPNtFI> - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Heart attack symptoms: Know what’s a medicalemergency. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/in-depth/heart-attack-symptoms/art-20047744> - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Heart attack: First aid. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heart-attack/basics/art-20056679> - Night sweats. (n.d.). <http://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/other-sweating/night-sweats.html> - Preventable deaths from heart disease and stroke. (2013). <http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heartdisease-stroke/> - Skipping a beat — The surprise of heart palpitations. (2017). <https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-disease-overview/skipping-a-beat--the-surprise-of-palpitations> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dan-Jennings-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Daniel Jennings, PA-C]() — Written by [Brian Krans]() — [Updated on April 11, 2024]() ## related stories - [Types of Heart Attacks: What You Should Know](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Symptoms of a Heart Attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Blood Pressure Changes During a Heart Attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Signs of Heart Problems During Exercise](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/problems-during-exercise?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Is It a Stroke or a Heart Attack?](https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke-vs-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext) ### Read this next - [Types of Heart Attacks: What You Should Know](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [What's the difference between a major, minor, and silent heart attack? Learn when to see a doctor and how to treat or prevent heart attacks.](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/types-of-heart-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Symptoms of a Heart Attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Dr. Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [The symptoms of heart attack can vary, depending on your age, sex, and health history. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and get help early.](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/heart-attack-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Blood Pressure Changes During a Heart Attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-pressure-changes-during-heart-attack?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Graham Rogers, M.D.](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [It's possible to see some blood pressure changes during a heart attack, but can a change in blood pressure be a warning sign for a heart attack? 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Readable Markdown	A heart attack can occur with or without chest pain. You may experience pain in other spots, like the shoulder, and symptoms, including sweating and fatigue, among others. Did you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? [Heart failure](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-failure) and [heart disease](http://healthline.com/health/heart-disease) don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women. The heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A [heart attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-attack) (often called a [myocardial infarction](https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-myocardial-infarction)) occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isn’t enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Heart attacks happen suddenly, but they normally result from long-standing heart disease. Typically, a waxy plaque builds up on the walls inside your blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. Sometimes a chunk of the plaque, called a [blood clot](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-blood-clot), breaks off and prevents blood from passing through the vessel to your heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack. Less commonly, something like stress, physical exertion, or cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract or spasm, which decreases the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle. There are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including: - age - heredity - [high blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension) - [high cholesterol](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol) - [obesity](https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity) - poor diet - excessive alcohol consumption (on a regular basis: more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men) - [stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress) - [physical inactivity](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-statistics) A heart attack is a medical emergency. It’s really important to listen to what your body is telling you if you think you might be having one. It’s better to seek emergency medical treatment and be wrong than to not get help when you’re having a heart attack. Most people with heart attacks experience some sort of chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to understand that chest pains don’t occur in every heart attack. Chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this sensation as feeling like an elephant is standing on their chest. Some people don’t describe chest pain as pain at all. Instead, they may say they felt chest tightness or squeezing. Sometimes this discomfort can seem bad for a few minutes and then go away. Sometimes the discomfort comes back hours or even a day later. These could all be signs your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen. If you experience chest pains or tightness, you or someone around you should call 911 immediately. Pain and tightness can also radiate in other areas of the body. Most people associate a heart attack with pain working its way down the left arm. That can happen, but pain can also appear in other locations, including: - upper abdomen - [shoulder](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/shoulder-pain) - [back](https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain) - neck/throat - teeth or [jaw](https://www.healthline.com/health/jaw-pain) According to the [American Heart Association](http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp#.V7IOV2P4PzJ), women tend to report heart attacks that cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen and lower portion of the chest. The pain may not be concentrated in the chest at all. It could feel like pressure in the chest and pain in other parts of the body. [Upper back pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/upper-back-and-chest-pain) is another symptom women more commonly cite than men. [Sweating](https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperhidrosis) more than usual — especially if you aren’t exercising or being active — could be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body sweats more to try to keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin, then you should consult your doctor. [Night sweats](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/night-sweats) are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart trouble. Women may mistake this symptom for an effect of menopause. However, if you wake up and your sheets are soaked or you cannot sleep due to your sweating, this could be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. A heart attack can cause exhaustion due to the extra stress on your heart to try to pump while an area of blood flow is blocked. If you often feel tired or exhausted for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible when you experience early signs of fatigue. Your breathing and your heart pumping blood effectively are very closely related. Your heart pumps blood so it can circulate to your tissues as well as get oxygen from your lungs. If your heart can’t pump blood well (as is the case with a heart attack), you can feel short of breath. [Shortness of breath](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/shortness-of-breath) can sometimes be an accompanying symptom to unusual fatigue in women. For example, some women report they would get unusually short of breath and tired for the activity they were performing. Going to the mailbox could leave them exhausted and unable to catch their breath. This can be a common sign of heart attack in women. [Lightheadedness](https://www.healthline.com/health/lightheadedness) and [dizziness](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/dizziness) can occur with a heart attack and are often symptoms women describe. Some women report they feel like they might pass out if they try to stand up or overexert themselves. This sensation is certainly not a normal feeling and shouldn’t be ignored if you experience it. [Heart palpitations](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/palpitations) can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack. Heart palpitations due to heart attack can create a sense of unease or [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety), especially in women. Some people may describe heart palpitations as a sensation their heart is pounding in their neck, not just their chest. Changes in your heart’s rhythm shouldn’t be ignored, because once the heart is consistently out of rhythm, it requires medical intervention to get back into rhythm. If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, chest pressure, chest pain, or fainting, they could be confirmation that a heart attack is occurring. Often people begin experiencing mild [indigestion](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/indigestion) and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms can get dismissed as [heartburn](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/heartburn) or another food-related complication. If you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a signal that something else is going on. If you think you are having a heart attack, you or someone nearby should call emergency services immediately. It’s unsafe to drive yourself to the hospital during a heart attack, so call an ambulance. While you may feel awake and alert enough to drive, the chest pain could get so severe that you may have trouble breathing or difficulty thinking clearly. After you call emergency services When you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you don’t currently take a [blood thinner](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/blood-thinners) and you aren’t allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while you’re waiting on medical attention. If you have [nitroglycerin](https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/nitroglycerin-sublingual-tablet) tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain. If you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care. At the hospital When you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the emergency medical personnel to take an [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram). This is a pain-free way to measure your heart’s electrical activity. If you’re having a heart attack, an EKG is performed to look for unusual electrical patterns in your heart. The EKG can help your doctor determine if the heart muscle is damaged and what part of your heart was damaged. A doctor will also likely order a blood draw. If you’re having a heart attack, your body usually releases certain proteins and enzymes as a result of the stress to your heart. If you’re having a heart attack, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your risk of severe heart damage is lowered if you start treatment within several hours of developing symptoms. What are the signs of heart failure in your feet? Swelling, called edema, can occur in your feet if you have heart failure. What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing? The 4 most common early symptoms of heart failure are: - fatigue - reduced stamina (can’t do as much) - orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat) - coughing - edema or ankle swelling See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms. What happens to your feet before a heart attack? There are no symptoms in your feet specifically that indicate a heart attack is likely. There are symptoms you may experience in your feet that may indicate reduced blood flow and may mean you have peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease and need to see your doctor or healthcare professional. These symptoms include: - swelling in your feet, ankles, or both - foot sores that are slow to heal - toenails that grow slower than usual - one foot is colder than the other - weak pulse in one foot or both What signs do you get a month before a heart attack? Symptoms of a heart attack that you may have a month or more before are called [angina](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/can-you-die-from-angina) or [prodromal symptoms](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.128.suppl_22.A15260), and they may include: - chest pain - tiredness - sleepiness - anxiety - arm weakness - arm pain According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heartdisease-stroke/), an estimated 200,000 deaths from heart disease and [stroke](https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke) are preventable. Even if you have risk factors for heart disease or have already had a heart attack, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a heart attack in the future. People who have already had a heart attack should make sure to take all medications prescribed to them by their doctor. If your doctor placed cardiac stents to keep your heart vessels open or you had to have bypass surgery for your heart, taking the medications your doctor prescribed to you is vital to preventing a future heart attack. Sometimes, if you require surgery for another condition, your doctor may recommend stopping some medications you take for your heart. An example might be an [antiplatelet](https://www.healthline.com/health/anticoagulant-and-antiplatelet-drugs) (anticlot) medication like [clopidogrel](https://www.healthline.com/health/clopidogrel-oral-tablet) (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or [ticagrelor](https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ticagrelor-oral-tablet) (Brilinta). Always check with the doctor you see for your heart before you stop taking any of your medications. It’s unsafe to abruptly stop many medications, and stopping abruptly could increase your risk of heart attack.
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