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Acute Coronary Syndrome: Symptoms

“After talking to my cardiologist about how to treat my ACS, I made a lot of healthy changes in my diet." –Junie B., 71

Reviewed by Health Monitor Medical Advisory Board

It's important to seek medical help right away if you have the following signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and think you're having a heart attack:

Most Common Symptoms of ACS include:

  • Chest pain due to the heart muscle not getting enough blood. Called angina, this discomfort may feel like pressure, burning or tightness. It can occur during exercise, periods of emotional stress, after eating a
    large meal, or even while you're resting.
  • Pain in other areas; typically the upper arm or jaw
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden, heavy sweating
  • Light-headedness

Specifically for women, other signs may include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort similar to that of heartburn
  • Clammy skin
  • Light-headedness or dizziness
  • Unusual or unexplained fatigue

Make sure you report all your symptoms to your doctor as they appear or subside. Together, you and your doctor can best manage your disease to help you stay as active and pain-free as possible.

Updated October 15, 2010
Next - Acute Coronary Syndrome: Diagnosis