Heart Attack Symptoms, Including the Quiet Ones, and Why It's 911, Not Urgent Care
Chest pressure is the classic sign, but many heart attacks start quietly. Here's what to watch for, why it's always 911, and where urgent care does fit in.
A heart attack usually shows up as pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps coming back, often with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea. But many heart attacks start quietly, especially in women, older adults and people with diabetes. If you think you might be having one, call 911. Don't drive yourself, and don't go to urgent care: paramedics can start treatment on the way, and an emergency department can open a blocked artery.
The classic heart attack symptoms
- Chest pressure, squeezing, tightness or pain, usually in the center or left side, lasting more than a few minutes or going away and coming back
- Pain or discomfort spreading to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or upper belly
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- A cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness
The quiet signs that are easy to miss
Not every heart attack feels like the movies. Some people have no chest pain at all, or describe it as indigestion. Watch for:
- Unusual tiredness that comes on over a day or two
- Shortness of breath with ordinary activity, like climbing stairs
- Heartburn-like discomfort that doesn't respond to antacids
- Pain in the jaw, back or between the shoulder blades
- A general sense that something is very wrong
Heart attack symptoms in women
Women have chest pain during a heart attack as often as men do, but they're more likely to also have the less typical symptoms: shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, and extreme fatigue. Those symptoms are easier to dismiss, which is one reason women are often slower to get care. Take them seriously.
What to do while you wait for help
- Call 911 and say you think you're having a heart attack
- Chew a regular aspirin if the dispatcher tells you to and you aren't allergic to it
- Unlock the door and sit down somewhere the paramedics can reach you
- If the person stops responding and isn't breathing normally, start hands-only CPR and use an AED if one is nearby
Where urgent care fits in
Urgent care is not the place for chest pain that is happening now. It does help in the gaps around it: chest discomfort that was brief, has fully passed and that a clinician wants checked, a fluttering or skipped-beat feeling that has stopped, a high blood pressure reading at home with no other symptoms, or an EKG a provider has asked you to get. If anything we find points to the heart, we'll send you on to the right place. See our high blood pressure page too.
At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See the cost and insurance page.
Call 911 now if you have chest pressure or pain that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps coming back, chest discomfort with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw, fainting, or sudden severe shortness of breath. Don't drive yourself.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.