Warning signs of a heart attack

What does a heart attack feel like?

The warning signs of a heart attack often differ for each person. The discomfort can last for several minutes or come and go. Some people say it feels like:

• bad indigestion
• a belt being tightened around their chest
• a choking feeling in their throat
• arms feel heavy and useless. 

How do I know that I’m having a heart attack?

A heart attack is not only the ‘crushing chest pain’ that you may expect to feel. You may have a variety of symptoms, or they may be less obvious to you. Sometimes, you may have no symptoms at all (a silent heart attack).

If you’ve had a heart attack before, you may experience different symptoms if you have another heart attack in the future.

If you are worried about how you, or someone you know, is feeling, speak to a healthcare professional or call Triple Zero (000). The only way to find out what’s causing the pain is to seek medical help. It is much safer to call an ambulance and be told it is something less serious, than find out too late.

Seek treatment immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). Do not wait. Every minute counts.

Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack?

Calling for an ambulance

Treatment starts when you call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, which is the safest and fastest way to get to hospital. Do not drive yourself.

You will then be connected to an emergency service operator, who will take details of the situation. Keep calm and speak slowly. The operator is there to help you, so they need to know what is going on.

Teach others in your family and in your community, including children, about calling Triple Zero (000). It could save your life or the life of a loved one.