Commonly Ignored Heart Attack Symptoms

Chest Pain

Chest pain is one of the more well-known symptoms of a heart attack, partly due to its dramatization in the media. Indeed, a 2005 survey found that 92 percent of respondents recognized chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. Unfortunately, only 27 percent of respondents were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call emergency services when someone was having a heart attack, highlighting the general need for further health education. Because chest pain and tightness can result from a variety of conditions such as COPD, heartburn and hypertension, it can be difficult to determine the cause and severity based on a few symptoms alone. Despite the fact that chest pain could result from another condition besides a heart attack, it is still best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if chest pain is accompanied by one or more of the symptoms in the following slides.

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Review Date: 
July 7, 2014

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Last Updated:
July 7, 2014