You can benefit from knowing signs of a heart attack

Knowing how to recognize the signs of a heart attack and knowing what to do when those signs appear may be the first steps in a life-saving effort, for you or a loved one.

The most popular image that people have of heart attacks is that of a sudden and intense attack that causes someone to grab his or her chest and fall over. However, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), most heart attacks come on slowly, beginning as either mild pain or discomfort and gradually building up into something more significant.

Often, people do not realize what is happening, including those who have had heart attacks previously.

According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, women often do not realize that they are at risk for heart attacks. Women are more likely than men to have specific warning signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Chest discomfort is often a sign of a pending attack. The pain in the center of the chest may last for more than a few minutes, go away, and then return. The discomfort often feels like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Shortness of breath is often connected to chest pain, but it can also be a warning sign when it occurs before any chest discomfort.

Another warning sign may include discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, and light-headedness can also be symptoms of a heart attack.

The biggest  mistake is waiting too long to seek medical help, which NHLBI says can be a deadly mistake. Patient delay reduces the chance of successful treatment.

At the first sign of heart attack symptoms, contact a physician or go to an emergency room.