Which are common signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction?

The signs and symptoms associated with a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. Chest pain often presents as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or discomfort that may radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. This pain is typically accompanied by shortness of breath, which can occur with or without chest discomfort. Nausea is also a frequent symptom experienced by individuals having a heart attack, as the event can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to gastrointestinal distress.

These symptoms collectively indicate that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen due to blocked coronary arteries, making them critical for recognizing an imminent medical emergency where prompt intervention can be life-saving. Understanding these classic indicators helps emergency medical personnel and lay responders quickly identify a possible myocardial infarction and provide timely care.