Emergency signs

Signs of a heart attack

If you experience any of these signs, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

  • Chest discomfort Chest discomfort Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain, burning or heaviness
  • Sweating Sweating
  • Upper body discomfort Upper body discomfort Neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back
  • Nausea Nausea
  • Shortness of breath Shortness of breath
  • Light-headedness Light-headedness

Women’s signs of heart attack

The most common heart attack sign is chest pain or discomfort; however, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure. They may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.

Experiencing signs of a heart attack?

Thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks each year. Recognize the signs. Act quickly. You could save a life.

1. Call 9-1-1 and shout for an AED

Or call your local emergency number right away. AED’s are often in public places. The 9-1-1 operator may be able to tell you where the nearest one is.

2. Stop all activity

Sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.

3. Take your nitroglycerin

If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.

4. Take ASA (Aspirin)

Chew and swallow ASA (Aspirin), if you are not allergic or intolerant (either one 325 mg tablet or two 81 mg tablets).

5. Rest and wait

Stay calm while waiting for help to arrive. 

6. Keep a list of your medications in your wallet and by the phone.

Emergency personnel will want this information.

Signs of cardiac arrest

If the heart stops beating, blood stops flowing to the brain, heart and vital organs. Brain injury can begin within five minutes.

  1. Sudden collapse

  2. Loss of consciousness

  3. Unresponsiveness to touch or sound

  4. Not breathing normally or making gasping sounds

Witnessing signs of a cardiac arrest?

Here’s what to do...

1. Call 9-1-1 and shout for an AED

Or call your local emergency number right away. AEDs can be found in many public locations. The 9-1-1 operator may be able to tell you or another bystander where to find the nearest AED.

2. Start CPR right away

Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Doing CPR immediately, even if it’s not perfect, gives the person their best chance of survival. You can’t hurt, you can only help.

3. Use an AED as soon as one is available

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable electronic device that’s safe and easy to use. Simply turn it on and follow the voice prompts. It will only deliver a shock to restart the heart if needed.

Who should learn CPR and how to use an AED?

Everyone should learn. Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency where every second counts.

Learn CPR now

Signs of SADs

SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes) covers a variety of cardiac disorders which are often genetic and can cause sudden death in young, apparently healthy people.

  1. Fainting or seizure during physical activity

  2. Fainting or seizure from distress or being startled.

  3. Family history of death that is sudden, unexplained.