Heart Attack: Recognize Symptoms and Act Quickly

A myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, depriving part of the heart muscle of oxygen. Without rapid intervention, heart cells die irreversibly.

Classic Symptoms

• Oppressive chest pain, like a vise, radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Nausea, vomiting
• Intense feeling of anxiety

Atypical Symptoms (common in women)

• Unusual and sudden fatigue
• Upper abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath without chest pain
• General malaise with dizziness

What to Do?

1. Call 112 (emergency services) immediately.
2. Sit or lie in a semi-seated position.
3. Take aspirin (300 mg) if available and no known allergies.
4. Do not drive yourself to the emergency room.

The ideal time for revascularization is less than 90 minutes after symptom onset. Every minute of delay increases the size of the infarcted area.