What are the symptoms of myocardial infarction?

The symptoms of a heart attack usually come on suddenly and can include the following.

• A heavy crushing pain in the centre of the chest. The pain is usually severe and can spread to the arms (especially the left arm), the neck and sometimes the jaw.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sweating.
• Nausea and even vomiting.
• Loss of colour to the skin.
• Anxiety, irritability, restlessness and fear of dying.

If you have these symptoms you should always assume that you are having a heart attack and should call for an ambulance immediately. If you are having a heart attack, you may need life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital. The ambulance crew will have the right equipment for this.