Some people describe it as feeling as though something heavy is pressing against their chest. The discomfort may last several minutes or disappear and return.
What to watch for: Chest pressure that occurs at rest, during activity, or alongside sweating, nausea, or breathlessness requires immediate attention.
Do not assume that chest discomfort is simply indigestion, especially when it is new, unexplained, or persistent.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing can occur with or without chest pain. You might feel unusually breathless while walking, climbing stairs, or performing ordinary daily activities. In some cases, breathlessness occurs even while sitting or resting.
A heart attack can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, potentially causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs.
What to watch for: Sudden or severe shortness of breath, particularly when accompanied by chest
discomfort, dizziness, sweating, or weakness, may indicate a medical emergency.
Do not wait for chest pain to appear before seeking help.