Did you know half the people that have heart attacks never even feel a symptom? As a cardiac surgeon, I think it’s crucial for you to know the most common signs.

Chest pain: it can feel like pressure, firmness or squeezing and is often mistaken for heartburn or indigestion; a discomfort waiting in the upper body, into one of the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; breaking out into a full, cold sweat; waves of nausea or dizziness; and lastly, you might experience sudden extreme fatigue.

The best time to treat a heart attack is within one to two hours of the first symptoms; waiting any longer increases the possibility of damage to the heart and the chances for survival.

Know the signs, so you can act before it’s too late.