According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack, causes 1 of every 7 deaths in the United States. But many of those deaths can be prevented by acting fast! Each year, about 635,000 people in the US have a new heart attack and about 300,000 have a repeat attack.

What is a heart attack? A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked by a circulation problem.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.