Heart attack warning signs

According to experts, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Below are a few signs to watch for:

Chest discomfort: most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre 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 like pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

In addition the person may experience difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; feeling sick or vomiting; feeling light-headed or faint; breaking into a cold sweat; and becoming pale. Women are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Source: World Heart Federation and World Health Organisation (WHO)