What is a common symptom of a heart attack?

Chest pain is a classic and common symptom of a heart attack. Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often due to a blood clot. This blockage causes the heart muscle to become deprived of oxygen, leading to discomfort or pain, typically experienced in the chest area. The pain can vary in intensity and may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or a painful sensation that may radiate to other areas, such as the shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, or back.

Recognizing chest pain as a significant symptom is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which can be life-saving. While individuals may also experience other symptoms during a heart attack, such as shortness of breath or nausea, chest pain remains the most widely recognized indicator that prompts individuals to seek emergency care.