What are the early signs of a heart attack?

Some early signs of an impending heart attack include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, nausea and sweating, along with discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the back, neck or jaw, as stated by the American Heart Association. Not every person will experience each of these symptoms, and sometimes the symptoms go away and reappear several times.

Since coronary heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, understanding how to spot the symptoms of a heart attack can save a life. Medical advancements have made treating heart attacks more effective than ever, but in most cases, help has to be administered quickly to prevent long-term heart damage.