Heart Attack Warning Signs | The Heart Foundation

Too many people don’t know the warning signs of a heart attack and don’t call emergency services when they should. During a heart attack, every minute counts. The longer you wait, the more damage your heart muscle suffers.

Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly could save your life or the life of someone close to you, which is why we have a range of free resources for you, your friends, family, workplace and community groups.

Every minute counts. Know the warning signs

If you don’t know the warning signs of a heart attack, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize they’re having a heart attack and don’t know what to do.

Common warning signs include chest pain, arm or shoulder pain, and shortness of breath. But some people may feel nauseous, sweaty, dizzy, or experience pain in the back, neck, or jaw. These lesser known signs include:
This condition is particularly common in women.

Watch the video below to learn more and download the Heart Attack Warning Signs Action Plan. It could save your life.

Stories of the Heart

A story of hope for an Australian battling heart disease. Watch the video below: story Find out how many Australians have experienced heart attacks and how calling triple zero (000) could save their lives.

Heart Health Check

Do you know what your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is? Having regular heart health checks with your doctor can help you better understand your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Most importantly, your GP and nurses can help you reduce this risk: A Heart Health Check is a 20-minute test by your GP to assess your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you can get a medical check-up from a doctor or health service.

Doctors, nurses and health professionals will talk to you about ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, check your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight, and offer help with quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

For more information about health or cardiac testing, please watch the “Having a Cardiac Test (715 Health Test)” animation.

Develop an action plan for heart attack warning signs

If you feel any warning signs of a heart attack, tell someone how you are feeling. If you don’t feel worse or better after 10 minutes, call triple zero (000).

Our heart attack warning signs action plan will help you recognize a heart attack and take action. Be prepared, download your free action plan now and hang it on your refrigerator or wall.

What is Heart Matters?

These resources were developed through the Heart Matters project, a partnership research project with Monash University, Ambulance Victoria, and supported by the Victorian Government.

Heart Matters is a community-based project that provides heart health education in Victorian communities at high risk of heart attack.

The project, which ran from 1 February 2022 to 31 March 2023, aimed to save lives by educating people on the warning signs of a heart attack and when to call the emergency number (000). The project is examining the effect of this grassroots approach on improving the health of people living in eight high-risk areas of Victoria where the project was implemented: Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Whittlesea and Hume.

Local Heart Matters coordinators used the resources developed to provide free heart health education sessions to local groups and businesses.

Heart Matters is a joint venture between the Heart Foundation and