Home > Heart Disease > Early Signs of a Heart Attack Get the Flash Player to see this player. Rate: (Click the stars to rate) Published on Mar 08, 2008 by BMacleod, Views: 7461 Treatment for a heart attack must start early, that is why it is important to know the symptoms of a heart attack. The most common symptoms are pain or tightness in the chest radiating to the arm and jaw, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. The heart muscle begins to be damaged within 90 minutes. Clot busting medications and angioplasty are effective treatment. Thanks for the early signs of heart disease. livelong 12.5 years ago