The most common and well-known sign of heart trouble is chest pain or discomfort. This pain is often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the middle or left side of the chest. It may feel like someone is pressing or sitting on your chest. Sometimes, the pain can be sharp or burning. Often there is no pain, but it feels like “an elephant is sitting on the chest”. This discomfort can last for several minutes or come and go in waves. It may also spread to other parts of your upper body, such as your arms (especially the left arm), neck, jaw, back, or even your stomach. If you notice this kind of pain, especially during rest or light activity, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as it could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious heart condition.
