Heart & Vascular

Heart Attack Warning Signs

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Help ensure the safety of your family and friends by knowing the warning signs of a heart attack.

Classic Warning Signs and Symptoms

  • Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms
  • Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath 

Less Common Warning Signs

  • Atypical chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain
  • Nausea or dizziness (without chest pain)
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (without chest pain)
  • Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
  • Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness

Chest Pain Emergency Department


Not all of these signs occur with every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast at the Chest Pain Emergency Department at the Novant Health hospitals in Charlotte, Huntersville and Matthews. If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait: call 9-1-1 immediately! Learn More »