Heart Attack Warning Signs

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a sudden blockage in a coronary artery. Because these arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood, any sudden cessation of blood flow lasting for several minutes results in heart damage and may lead to death.

Understanding the warning signs and symptoms before it happens can make a difference between life and death for you or someone you love.

Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Sudden collapse
• Lightheadedness
• Pain down the arm or into the neck or back
• Impending sense of doom