b'ChapterThe leading cause of death in Australia is heart attack, so the general rule is that if a person presents with chest pain and some of the following signs and symptoms, suspect possible heart attack. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms and prompt first aid management may prevent cardiac arrest.How to RecogniseA persistent heavy pain or pressure/tightness across the chest.Pain may radiate or be limited to the jaw, throat, face, across and between the shoulders and back.Pain may radiate further down to either or both arms and into the wrist and hands.Pain may be described as crushing, dull ache, heavy, vice like or as a pain like no other.Shortness of breath, the most common sympton in a patient experiencing chest pain.Nausea and sometimes vomiting.Pale, cool, sweaty skin. Distress, anxiety, dizziness and general fatigue. Not all heart attacks are accompanied by chest pain. Some people simply look and feel unwell.A person may describe the feeling differently, like mild chest discomfort, indigestion or a feeling of fullness. The elderly, women, persons with diabetes and Australian indigenous population are more likely to describe such symptoms. For some people, sudden unexpected collapse and sudden cardiac arrest is the first sign of a heart attack.The warning signs of heart attack normally last at least 10 minutes. If the warning signs are severe or get worse quickly, do not wait - act immediately.The main difference between Angina pain and Heart attack pain is:Angina pain is generally relieved and subsides with rest and medication however, Heart attack pain is not.196 Medical Emergencies'