Heart Attack Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Squeezing, heavy chest pain, especially with:
- Exercise or exertion
- Emotional stress
- Cold weather
- A large meal
Pain in the left shoulder, left arm, or jaw
Shortness of breath
Sweating, clammy skin
Nausea
Weakness
Loss of consciousness
Anxiety , especially feeling a sense of doom or panic without apparent reason

Unusual symptoms of heart attack (may occur more frequently in women):

Stomach pain
Back and shoulder pain
Confusion
Fainting

Diagnosis

If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 right away.

Tests may include:

Blood tests—to look for certain enzymes found in the blood within hours or days after a heart attack
Urine tests—to look for certain substances found in the urine within hours or days after a heart attack
Electrocardiogram (EKG) —records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle, changes can show if there is blockage or damage
Echocardiogram —uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, function, and motion of the heart
Stress test —records the heart's electrical activity under increased physical stress, usually done days or weeks after the heart attack
Nuclear scanning—uses radioactive material to show areas of the heart muscle where there is diminished blood flow
Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make detailed pictures of the heart, coronary arteries, and surrounding structures; may be helpful if you are at immediate risk of coronary artery disease
Coronary angiography —uses dye and x-rays to look for narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.