Chest discomfort or pain is a key warning symptom of a heart attack. Patients often describe it as a crushing or squeezing sensation, or it feels like a heavy weight on the chest.

Other symptoms of a heart attack include, but are not limited to:

• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A fast or irregular heartbeat

Those who experience heart attack symptoms should dial 911 or contact other emergency services immediately. Emergency treatment may prevent damage to the heart muscle and even death.

Chest discomfort or pain that begins or gets worse with exercise, stress or eating a large meal and goes away with rest may be a warning sign of heart disease. This type of pain may be a heart attack or angina (when the heart is not getting enough blood). Those who experience this discomfort, and are not being treated for angina, should call 911 or contact other emergency services immediately.