Heart attack warning signs

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death in New Zealand. Learn more about what the warning signs are, so you can act quickly if you see or experience them.

In this article

Many people don’t recognise the signs of a heart attack. This means they wait too long to get help.

Call 111 immediately if you think you, or someone near you, might be having a heart attack. Ask for an ambulance.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Heart attack warning signs can be different for everyone.  

You may feel pain or discomfort in one or more of these areas:   

  • chest 
  • neck 
  • jaw  
  • shoulders 
  • back 
  • arms.  

You may also feel:  

  • dizzy or lightheaded 
  • short of breath 
  • sweaty 
  • sick. 

Chest pain or discomfort is the most common warning sign.

Heart attack warning signs infographic showing body areas where pain or discomfort can occur in jaw, shoulders, back, neck, chest and arms plus symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating and feeling sick with a call 111 emergency message from

Heart attack symptoms typically last more than a few minutes or may come and go.  

If you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at risk of another one. Next time, the symptoms may be different.

What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack?

Call 111 immediately if you think you, or someone near you, might be having a heart attack. Ask for an ambulance.

What’s the difference between angina and a heart attack?

Angina and heart attacks can feel similar. Both cause chest pain, tightness or discomfort.  

Angina usually gets better with rest or medication. Heart attack pain doesn’t. If you have angina symptoms, follow your angina action plan.

Angina action plan infographic showing step‑by‑step instructions to stop, use GTN spray, wait 5 minutes between doses and call 111 if chest pain or angina symptoms persist, Heart Foundation New Zealand.

Heart attack warning signs in women

Women are more likely than men to have a heart attack without chest pain.  

If women do have chest pain, it might not feel really strong or be the most noticeable symptom. 

The pain or discomfort may spread to the stomach or upper back and may come and go.  

Women may also feel:  

  • dizzy or lightheaded 
  • short of breath 
  • sweaty 
  • sick.  

Read more about heart attacks in women.

Is it possible to have another heart attack?

Yes. If you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at risk of having another one.   

The signs may be different next time, so it can be harder to recognise. No two heart attacks are the same.  

Download the heart attack warning signs poster for a quick reminder of the signs to watch for.

‘Silent’ heart attacks

Some heart attacks cause little or no pain. These are called silent heart attacks.  

Although silent heart attacks can happen to anyone, they’re more common in people with diabetes.  

If you have diabetes, be aware of other warning signs such as: 

  • shortness of breath 
  • feeling sick. 

Read more about diabetes and heart disease.

Learn more about heart attacks

What is a heart attack? 

How to lower my risk 

Test your knowledge with our warning signs quiz