According to the American Heart Association (AHA), three warning signs usually signal a heart attack: Pressure or pain anywhere in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms. Lightheadedness, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Some other signs are abdominal pain, problems breathing, fatigue or heart palpitations. You may not experience all of these symptoms, and some may come and go, but if you or anyone with you is experiencing any of them, call 911 immediately. If you're having a heart attack, the best thing you can do is to get medical attention as quickly as possible, so less possible injury to your heart occurs and so doctors can administer necessary drugs. If you're waiting for an ambulance to take you to the hospital, the AHA recommends you take an aspirin while you wait to help prevent blood clots. If you're allergic to aspirin, ask your doctor what you should do in case of a heart attack. Even if it turns out you're not having a heart attack, you've done the best thing you could do for yourself by getting prompt medical attention.