Time Is Muscle During a Heart Attack -- Recognize the Symptoms

Increase your odds of surviving a heart attack. If you suspect a heart attack, don't wait -- get to the hospital fast. During a heart attack, heart muscle begins to die.  A patient's outcome is largely determined by how much muscle is lost. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately so Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel can begin lifesaving treatment.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Classic symptoms:

• Chest discomfort
• Pain, spreading to the jaw, shoulders, neck or arm
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Sweating

Symptoms more likely in women:

• Indigestion or gas-like pain
• Dizziness
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
• Sense of impending doom