Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and getting care quickly can save lives. This video covers the most common symptoms, why some heart attacks start slowly with mild discomfort, what to do if you take nitroglycerin for chest pain, and what to do if symptoms start during exercise.

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Heart Attack: Know the Warning Signs

Knowing the early warning signs of a heart attack and seeking medical care can help prevent a heart attack from happening or reduce the severity of the heart attack. It can save lives, maybe even your own. So how do you know if you're having a heart attack?

Warning signs

The most common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, chest pressure, or chest tightness. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, new or extreme fatigue, pain between your shoulder blades, or in your arms, neck, or jaw. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, or just not feeling right.

Don't wait to get help if you have any of these warning signs.

Don't wait — call 911

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly with mild pain or discomfort as a precursor to the heart attack. Don't wait to get help. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms. Those minutes matter.

If you take nitroglycerin

If you have been prescribed a medication like nitroglycerin for chest pain or angina, please take your medication as prescribed. Make sure to contact your doctor and let your care manager know if you've had to use medication for chest pain. If your pain is becoming more frequent, more severe, or is not relieved by medication, please seek emergency medical attention.

During exercise

It is also important to note that if you're exercising and begin to experience any of these symptoms, please stop, rest, and contact your doctor or emergency services to get checked out before you resume.

Wrap-up

Your care manager is here to help you navigate these situations. Please report any symptoms you are having in the Today page of the app to communicate your condition and receive information from your care team. We value your health and safety, and we are here to help.

Thank you for watching the Heart Attack: Know the Warning Signs video. You can find more educational videos in the resource section of the app.

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