You may be having a heart attack if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, heaviness, tightness, squeezing, fullness, or aching in the center or left side of the chest. This pain may last more than a few minutes, come and go, or feel like an elephant sitting on your chest

• Pain or discomfort spreading to other areas such as one or both arms (usually the left arm), shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

• Shortness of breath, which can occur with or without chest discomfort

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, faint, or weak

• Sweating, especially breaking out in a cold sweat

• Nausea or vomiting, or feeling sick

• An overwhelming feeling of anxiety or unusual fatigue

• Other possible symptoms include coughing or wheezing, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and indigestion or heartburn

Women may experience some atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, pain in the back, neck, jaw, or both arms, unusual tiredness, and anxiety, sometimes without the classic chest pain

. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, call emergency services (911 or your local emergency number) immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as prompt treatment is critical

. In summary, key signs to watch for are chest discomfort, pain spreading to other upper body parts, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue. Immediate medical attention is essential if these symptoms occur