What are the signs of a heart attack?

The signs of a heart attack commonly include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. Chest discomfort is often described as 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 feel like a tightening in the chest.

The accompanying symptoms, such as cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness, help to indicate the onset of a heart attack, especially in women, who may experience atypical symptoms. Recognizing these signs is critical for timely medical intervention, which can significantly influence outcomes.

Other options, while they may describe symptoms that can occur due to various health issues, do not specifically align with the classical symptoms indicative of a heart attack.