Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. They expect a severe, constant pain, but in actuality, the pain may be mild and come and go. Patients whose experience does not match their expectations wait too long before seeking treatment. The delay is costly. Call 911 should you experience:

• Chest pain or discomfort, usually in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like a burning, numbness, pressure, squeezing or fullness. It is sometimes thought to be indigestion or heartburn.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Women may also experience:

• Excessive fatigue
• Indigestion that is not relieved by an antacid

Emergency medical services personnel can begin treatment immediately. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance are often treated more quickly upon arrival at the hospital.

Source: American Heart Association, Cleveland Clinic