Every moment matters when a heart attack is occurring. According to the American Heart Association, patients should call 911 if they experience any of the following¹:

• Chest discomfort—pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
• Discomfort or pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath—with or without chest discomfort
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Not all of these signs occur in every heart attack, and sometimes they may subside and return. Sudden loss of responsiveness and breathing abnormalities can signal a cardiac arrest.

¹http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/911-Warnings-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp