Heart Attack Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. Know the symptoms. Don't delay seeking help. Most heart damage and deaths occur in the first hour after an attack. Chest pain may be severe or mild, constant or intermittent.
Pressure can spread to the neck, shoulder, arms or back.
Pain does not have to radiate down your arm. You may have a few or all of these symptoms. Understand the risk factors. A decrease in blood flow to the heart causes heart attacks. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of heart attacks.