About half of the deaths from heart and blood vessel disease, the nation’s No. 1 killer, are

About half of the deaths from heart and blood vessel disease, the nation’s No. 1 killer, are from coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack. About 286,000 people a year die of coronary heart disease. Signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort: In men and women, the most-common heart-attack symptom is discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath: May occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs: May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Source: American Heart Association