Although some heart attacks are sudden, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain. The following are signs of a heart attack:

1. Chest discomfort, usually in the center of the chest and lasting more than a few minutes

2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach

3. Shortness of breath

4. Other signs such as nausea, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat