A heart attack happens when the heart muscle does not get the blood it needs to pump. The heart depends on special arteries, called coronary arteries, to supply it with nutrition and oxygen. If these arteries become blocked, then the part of the heart that depends on them can become injured or die.

A heart attack is the most common cause of death in the U.S. Someone dies from a heart attack about every minute. In the past years we have learned that early treatment can help persons with a heart attack. We know that prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives. We also know that quick treatment with drugs that break up blood clots can improve survival. Since early treatment makes a difference, it is important to know the signs of a heart attack.

The most common sign is chest pain or chest discomfort. The signs to watch for are:
* An uncomfortable squeezing or pressure in the chest that does not go away or comes and goes.
* A chest pain that also goes to the arm, shoulder, back or neck.
* Chest pain with sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
* New chest pain in a person who has already had a heart attack.

If these signs last more than a few minutes, take immediate action.

If you or a loved one might be having a heart attack, you should call 911. Sometimes a person having a heart attack, even if they have had one before, may not want to call for help. Since early treatment is so important, don't let this keep you from calling. Someone should stay with a person who might be having a heart attack until help arrives. This person should be ready to do mouth-to-mouth breathing and CPR if the patient gets weak, stops breathing, or loses consciousness.

To learn more, contact your American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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