What is one of the common signs of a heart attack?

Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most recognized signs of a heart attack. This symptom typically presents as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It can last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back. This discomfort is often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn, making it crucial to identify it correctly during an emergency.

The importance of this symptom lies in its physiological basis: during a heart attack, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen due to a blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, leading to pain and discomfort. Recognizing chest pain as a critical sign can lead to quicker medical intervention, potentially saving lives.

While nausea, excessive sweating, and extreme fatigue can also occur during a heart attack, they are less commonly cited as the hallmark signs compared to chest pain. Each of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may not always present alongside the definitive chest discomfort, making it essential to focus on chest pain as a primary indicator.