What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. This cluster of symptoms is well-recognized and is critical for identifying a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction.

Chest pain is often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest, and it may last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back. Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest discomfort and may indicate a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Nausea is common, particularly among women, as a result of the body's stress response during a heart attack. Sweating, or diaphoresis, can also occur as part of the body's reaction to the distress of a heart attack.

In contrast, symptoms listed in the other options do not accurately represent the typical signs of a heart attack. While headaches or fatigue may occur due to various conditions, they are not hallmark signs of a heart attack. Recognizing the primary symptoms is essential for timely intervention and treatment.