Heart attack 101: Warning signs, prevention tips and how to help yourself and others act fast

Overview: Every second counts during a heart attack. Knowing the signs—and what to do—can save a life, including your own. 

Did you know symptoms can appear days or even weeks before an actual heart attack? Recognizing these early warning signs gives you the chance to act quickly and minimize damage to your heart. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a heart?

Heart attack symptoms can vary but common signs include:

• Chest discomfort such as pressure, squeezing or pain in the middle or left side of the chest.
• Pain in other areas like the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, both with or without chest pain.
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Extreme fatigue

Important: Heart attack symptoms in women can present differently and be more subtle, such as unusual fatigue or indigestion-like discomfort.

How healthy is your heart? Take our quiz!

Why does a heart attack happen?

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body, with three major arteries. One artery feeds the front of the heart, one feeds the left side and one feeds the right side. The front artery provides about 50% of your heart’s muscle supply, and when that artery is blocked, major damage can happen. This type of heart attack is referred to as a “widow maker” or in medical terminology, a myocardial infarction.

When an artery is blocked, oxygen-rich blood cannot move through your heart, which can trigger abnormal heart rhythm and even cause cardiac arrest.

What to do if someone is having a heart attack?

If you suspect a heart attack:

1. Stay calm
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Lay the person down
4. Follow instructions from emergency responders, if applicable
5. If the heart stops beating, perform CPR (if trained) or use an automatic defibrillator (AED), if applicable

How can you lower your heart attack risk?

Prevention is key to a healthy heart. Be proactive, monitor your health, know your numbers and talk to your primary care provider about any concerns you may have to reduce your risk of a heart attack. Here’s how to protect your heart.  

1. Stay active: Exercise about 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes, five times a week.
2. Improve your diet: Reduce the intake of red meats, fatty and oily foods in your diet. Drink alcohol in moderation.
3. Monitor blood pressure: A healthy blood pressure rate is 120/80, so if your numbers are consistently higher or lower, talk to your primary care provider.
4. Maintain a healthy cholesterol level: Less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is the normal range for cholesterol in adults. Diet and exercise may help reduce this number.
5. Regulate sugar intake: Diabetes puts you at risk for heart attacks. Watching your sugar intake lowers your risk of developing diabetes.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking increases your blood pressure, which increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
7. Manage your stress and sleep habits: Breathing techniques and meditation can help you reduce stress. Create a routine at night around going to sleep by avoiding screens an hour before bedtime and trying for a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night.

Take control of your heart health

No one plans to have a heart attack—but knowing the signs and taking preventive steps can make all the difference and be a life-saving measure for yourself and others. If you, or someone you know, has concerns about their heart, it may be worth asking your provider for a referral to a heart specialist for further testing.

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.