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Many heart attacks are sudden
and intense, such as the "movie heart attack," where
no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild
pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too
long before getting help. Here are the signs that can mean a heart attack is
happening:
- 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. People that have experienced the pain
explain it as having an elephant sitting on
the chest.
- 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. This feeling
often comes along with chest discomfort, but
can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold
sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
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