Heart attack warning signs

Heart attack warning signs
Heart attack emails
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) warning signs 

Heart attack warning signs

Thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks every year because they don't receive medical treatment quickly enough. Learn to recognize the signs of a heart attack so you can react quickly to save a life It is important to understand that warning signs can vary from person to person and they may not always be sudden or severe. Although chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, some people will not experience chest pain at all, while others will experience only mild chest pain or discomfort. Others may experience one symptom, while some experience a combination.

	• Chest discomfort (uncomfortable chest pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain, burning or heaviness)
	• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back)
	• Shortness of breath
	• Sweating
	• Nausea
	• Light-headedness

If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should:

• CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately, or have someone call for you. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone at all times.
• Stop all activity and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.
• If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.
• If you are experiencing chest pain, chew and swallow one adult 325 mg tablet or two 80 mg tablets of ASA(acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as Aspirin^®). Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil^®) do not work the same way as ASA (Aspirin) and therefore will not help in the emergency situation described above.
• Rest comfortably and wait for an ambulance with emergency medical personnel to arrive.

QUICK ACTION SAVES LIVES

Learn more about heart attack. 
Learn more about the anatomy of the heart.

For more information on heart attack warning signs, please read our Emergency Wallet Card and Emergency Signs and Actions – For Life brochure.

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death for Canadian women. Learn more about women and heart disease.

Heart attack emails

You may receive emails from well-meaning family and friends that claim to have authentic information about the signs and symptoms of heart attack or stroke. These messages usually contain incorrect information. Some may include a catchy phrase of signs to look for or certain activities to perform in order to prevent a heart attack or stroke. These messages only serve to confuse or cause delay in seeking help.

A heart attack or stroke is a very serious event that requires immediate medical attention. If you, or a loved one, suffer such an event, it is important to know the correct warning signs and how to act in order to get the best treatment available as early as possible.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation urges you not to circulate emails of this nature to your family and friends. Instead, become familiar with, and share the correct warning signs on our website at www.heartandstroke.ca/HeartSigns or www.heartandstroke.ca/StrokeSigns. Knowing these signs and calling 9-1-1, or your local emergency number immediately, is the most important thing you can do.

Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) warning signs

The most common warning signs for SADS are:

• Fainting or seizure during physical activity
• Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, emotional distress, or being startled
• Family history of unexpected sudden death during physical activity or during a seizure, or any other unexplained sudden death of an otherwise healthy young person.

Although fainting is a relatively common occurrence, if it occurs in circumstances, such as during physical activity or from emotional excitement, it can represent a warning sign of SADS.

Learn about the warning signs of stroke.

Last reviewed March 2011
Last modified:  March 2012