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Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, and there is no doubt about what is happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort, causing some people to wait too long before getting help. If you experience the following signs, you could be having a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

• 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 may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

What are the heart attack symptoms for women?

As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But women are also more likely to experience other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Call 911 or have someone drive you to the hospital immediately. Don’t wait. Minutes matter!