Does heart attack cause chest pain?

Heart-attack discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, heaviness, or burning in the centre of the chest. It can spread to an arm, both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. Some people have breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or unusual weakness at the same time. Symptoms can start during activity or at rest, and they may be mild, especially in older adults or people with diabetes. Other conditions, including muscle strain, reflux, lung problems, and panic, can also cause chest pain, so the symptom cannot identify its cause by itself.

Stop exertion and sit upright while arranging emergency help if chest pain is new, persistent, or accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading beyond the chest. Do not drive yourself if a heart attack is possible. Follow any emergency instructions you receive, and tell the clinician when the pain began, what it feels like, and whether it changes with movement or breathing. If the pain has settled but is recurring, arrange prompt medical review rather than waiting for another episode.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, returns, or occurs with trouble breathing, collapse, cold sweat, nausea, or discomfort in the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Seek urgent help even if you are unsure whether the cause is the heart. A clinician may use an examination, electrocardiogram, and blood tests to assess the heart and guide treatment.

Ask what could explain your chest pain, which warning signs should prompt emergency action, and whether you need heart tests or a review of medicines and risk factors. Also ask what activity is suitable until the cause is clear.