Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   
• Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.   
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness 

Also, see A Serious Note About Heart Attacks

Stroke Warning Signs   The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body    Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding    Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes    Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination    Sudden, severe headache with no known cause   from The American Heart Association Also, see Stroke identification