• chest pain behind the sternum (breastbone)
  • pain may radiate to the:
    • chest, arms, shoulder (see shoulder pain)
    • neck, teeth and jaw (see toothaches, face pain)
    • back
• abdominal pain
• pain is prolonged, typically greater than 20 minutes
• pain is similar to angina, but not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
• pain that may be described as:
  • "bad indigestion" or heartburn
  • intense, severe, subtle; however, the victim may not have any pain
  • squeezing, aching, tightness, or pressure
  • "an elephant sitting on my chest"
  • a tight band on the chest
• shortness of breath occurs suddenly
  • may or may not be accompanied by pain
• light-headedness, dizziness, fainting
• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating, may be profuse (diaphoresis)
• dry mouth
• feeling of "impending doom"
• anxiety

Note: The victim commonly denies that he or she may be having a heart attack.

In babies and children:

• victim is limp and unresponsive
• skin is bluish in color

Ency. home > Injury > H > Heart attack first aid

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