Heart Attack Symptoms: When to Call an Ambulance Immediately
Heart Attack Symptoms: When to Call an Ambulance Immediately
A heart attack is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. Knowing the warning signs could save your life or the life of someone you love. Every minute counts during a heart attack, so understanding when to call for emergency help is crucial.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries that supply blood to your heart become blocked. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. Without oxygen, that part of the heart begins to die. The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.
Common Heart Attack Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are several warning signs to watch for:
Chest Pain or Discomfort
The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort that:
Feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest
Lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
May feel like severe heartburn or indigestion
Pain in Other Parts of Your Body
Heart attack pain can spread beyond your chest to:
Left arm, right arm, or both arms
Back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Shoulders
Shortness of Breath
You may experience difficulty breathing that:
Occurs with or without chest discomfort
Makes you feel like you can't catch your breath
Happens during rest or light activity
Other Warning Signs
Additional symptoms include:
Cold sweats or clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Unusual fatigue, especially in women
Anxiety or feeling of impending doom
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Women may experience different symptoms than men. While chest pain is still common, women are more likely to have:
Shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
Back or jaw pain
Unusual fatigue
Lightheadedness
Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for less serious conditions, which can delay treatment.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Older Adults
Older adults and people with diabetes may have:
Less obvious chest pain
More shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue
Confusion
Dizziness
When to Call an Ambulance
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately if you or someone else experiences:
Any combination of heart attack symptoms lasting more than 5 minutes
Severe chest pain that doesn't improve with rest
Chest pain with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
Sudden, severe symptoms even if you're not sure it's a heart attack
Why Call an Ambulance Instead of Driving
Paramedics can begin life-saving treatment immediately
Ambulances are equipped with defibrillators and medications
Emergency medical teams can call ahead to prepare the hospital
If you collapse while driving, you could harm yourself and others
What to Do While Waiting for Help
Stay calm and try to keep the person calm
Sit down and rest, preferably in a comfortable position
Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest
Take aspirin if not allergic (chew one adult aspirin or four baby aspirins)
If prescribed nitroglycerin, take as directed
Be prepared for CPR if the person becomes unconscious
Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
Many people delay seeking help because they:
Think symptoms will go away
Don't want to bother others
Are embarrassed if it's not a heart attack
Fear the cost of emergency care
Remember: It's better to be safe than sorry. Even if it turns out not to be a heart attack, chest pain and related symptoms should always be evaluated by medical professionals.
The Bottom Line
Heart attacks are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve – call for emergency help right away. Quick action can save lives and reduce heart damage. Trust your instincts: if something feels seriously wrong, it's always better to seek emergency care immediately.
Remember, paramedics and emergency room doctors would rather see you for a false alarm than miss the opportunity to save your life during a real heart attack. When in doubt, call 999 – every second counts.
August 2025
Prepared by Professor Eric Lim for PEACHealth with background research and drafting assistance by LLM.