A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly cut off. Signs to watch for include chest pain or pressure, pain radiating into the arms, neck, jaw or back, breathlessness, nausea or sweating, and light-headedness. Women can experience it differently, more often with breathlessness, nausea and fatigue rather than intense chest pain.
If a heart attack is suspected, call 999 without delay - don't wait to see if it passes, and don't try driving to hospital yourself. Chewing an aspirin while waiting for the ambulance can help, provided there's no allergy to it.
Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity, being overweight and drinking too much alcohol are the main risk factors you can actually influence - our smoking, exercise and healthy diets pages have more.
Common questions
What are the key warning signs of a heart attack?
Chest pain or a feeling of pressure, pain spreading into the arms, neck, jaw or back, breathlessness, nausea or sweating, and feeling light-headed.
What's the right response if a heart attack is suspected?
Call 999 straight away - don't wait to see whether the symptoms pass, and don't attempt to drive yourself to hospital.