A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of the heart's arteries. When an artery is blocked, blood cannot flow to the chambers of the heart which results in a heart attack also known as myocardial infarction. If medical attention is not received immediately the heart can become permanently damaged so it is important that you are able to recognize the signs that you may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, the following are possible symptoms of a heart attack:

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. The pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness.

Pain in the upper body: There could be pain or discomfort in either or both of your arms, the back, the neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without the chest pain can be a warning sign.

Other possibilities include cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, paleness, or an irregular heart rate. Some patients say that they have experienced an unexplainable feeling of impending doom prior to their heart attack.

As you can see from these possible symptoms there are a lot of things to look for. Not every heart attack patient has had these symptoms prior to their heart attack, so the presence of all, some and none of these are possible.

If you feel that you have these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention right away, especially if you or someone in your family has a history of heart trouble. Doctors would much rather have you tested and find out that you didn't have a heart attack than have you ignore the symptoms and possibly die because you did not go for help. Learning what to look for can save your life.