What are the first signs of a heart attack?

The most common first sign is chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes. It may spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back, with shortness of breath, cold sweats or nausea.

Should I drive someone having a heart attack to hospital?

No. Call Rescue 1122. Ambulance staff can begin treatment on the way and act quickly if the heart stops.

Can you take aspirin during a heart attack?

The NHS says aspirin may be taken while waiting for an ambulance if it is available, but not by anyone allergic to it. If unsure, ask the emergency call handler.

Heart Attack Signs and What to Do

Q: Are heart attack symptoms different in women?

Women often have chest pain too, but are more likely to also have unusual tiredness, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back, shoulder or arm.

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. The longer it goes without treatment, the more of the heart muscle is damaged. Recognising the signs and getting help fast gives the best chance of survival and recovery.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or crushing. It usually lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Pain in other parts of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
Cold sweats
Nausea or vomiting, or a burning feeling like indigestion
Feeling weak, light-headed or dizzy, or fainting
Skin or lips that look pale, grey or blue. On darker skin, this may be easier to see on the palms.

Are heart attack symptoms different in women?

Women can have chest pain too. However, the CDC says women are more likely than men to also have unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. The American Heart Association adds that women may notice anxiety, upset stomach, or pain in the back, shoulder or arm. If you notice these signs, do not wait to get help.

What should you do if you think it is a heart attack?

Call Rescue 1122 immediately. The American Heart Association says calling an ambulance is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment.
Do not drive yourself to hospital. Ambulance staff can start treatment on the way and can help if the heart stops.
Help the person sit down on the floor or a chair with their back supported, and keep them calm.
Stay with them and keep checking that they are awake and breathing until help arrives.
If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, the NHS advises starting CPR if you know how. The emergency call handler may guide you.

Should the person take aspirin?

The NHS says someone having a heart attack may take aspirin if it is easily available while waiting for the ambulance, but not if they are allergic to aspirin. Never let this delay calling for help.

Why does acting fast matter?

The CDC explains that the sooner a person reaches emergency care, the sooner treatment can restore blood flow and limit damage to the heart muscle. Minutes matter, so call for help even if you are not completely sure.

When to get emergency help

Call Rescue 1122 straight away if you or someone else has:

Tight, crushing or squeezing chest pain
Chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw or back
Severe difficulty breathing
Chest pain with sweating, nausea or dizziness
Pale, grey or blue skin or lips
Collapse or loss of consciousness

In an emergency call Rescue 1122 where the service is available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Last reviewed against the sources above: 22 September 2026. This page gives general health information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor. See our editorial policy.