What are the signs of a myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

Chest pain and shortness of breath are classic signs of a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. The chest pain is typically described as a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing and can radiate to other areas, such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This pain often presents alongside shortness of breath, which occurs as the heart struggles to pump effectively due to damaged heart muscle. Patients may feel an overwhelming sense of fatigue or experience sweating as the body reacts to the physiologic stress of the heart not receiving enough oxygen.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which can significantly affect outcomes in a myocardial infarction. Other symptoms that might accompany these two are nausea, lightheadedness, or even fainting, but the essential combination of chest pain and shortness of breath serves as a key indicator prompting immediate evaluation for a possible heart attack.