In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both men and women. More people die from heart disease than ALL forms of cancer ... combined!

3 signs of heart disease that you can't ignore:

1. Chest pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Lightheadedness

Call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms. Men and women may experience them in different ways.

Chest pain or discomfort

Men are more likely to feel crushing, squeezing, or burning pain. Or, the pain may feel like pressure or fullness in the center of the chest. It may radiate to the neck, one or both arms, the shoulders or the jaw. Women tend to feel tightness or pressure in the center of their chest.

Shortness of breath

In women, shortness of breath can occur with or without chest discomfort. Men may simultaneously experience flu-like symptoms, sweating, and a weak pulse.

Lightheadedness

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy often goes hand in hand with these other symptoms.

Heart attack symptoms you can't ignore:

• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms, including chills and cold sweats
• Heart palpitations
• Chest discomfort (angina): pain, tightness or pressure in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and then returns
• Discomfort in one or both arms (especially the left arm)
• Discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, teeth or between your shoulder blades
• Heartburn, indigestion or a stomachache
• Extreme fatigue

Other warning signs

Some people who have heart disease never have chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness. They may, however, experience less obvious, but just-as-important signs, including:

• Flu-like symptoms or stomach problems, such as heartburn, indigestion, or stomachache. If you don’t actually have the flu, but develop chills, cold sweats, nausea—even cold, clammy skin (this is more common in men)—don’t ignore it.
• Unexplained fatigue. Women who have heart problems often feel tired, even exhausted, following routine activities.
• Unexplained pains. Heart disease can cause pain in the back, neck, jaw, teeth, or between the shoulder blades. If you have any unexplained pain, especially if it comes on suddenly, get it checked out.
• Fainting. Although fainting is rare, it may mean your brain is not getting enough blood and therefore insufficient oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention if you do faint.
• Swollen feet, ankles legs. This may be a sign of heart valve problems.
• Persistent cough. A cough, especially if accompanied by white or pink-tinged blood, may indicate heart failure.

Important: All of these symptoms may be due to something other than heart disease, so don’t panic but do take it seriously.

See your doctor promptly. You should especially pay attention to these symptoms if you know you have risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.

Remember, time is critical when you are having a heart attack. If you experience these symptoms, call 911: shortness of breath, lighheadedness, chest pain.