Heart Attack & Stroke Symptoms

Don't wait too long before getting help! While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

These symptoms, however, are typical for middle-aged men and not necessarily for women.

Women are more likely to have the following symptoms:

Discomfort above the waist brought on by strain
(including back, shoulders, arms or jaw)
Nausea and vomiting, fatigue
Shortness of breath (trouble catching your breath)
Arm and/or chest pain

Stroke symptoms:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one
side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.