Symptoms of MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

The symptoms of a heart attack classically include chest pain or a heavy, squeezing or crushing feeling in the chest. The pain may radiate into the jaw, the neck and either arm, although the left is most common. The pain may radiate into the upper abdomen. Sometimes, the pain may be predominantly in the neck, jaw, arm or upper abdomen. If it persists or is unusually severe, it demands immediate evaluation. A person with a heart attack may appear ashen, cool and sweating. There may be nausea, dizziness and generalized weakness. Shortness of breath and the sensation of impending doom may occur. In up to 10% of people, the only symptom of a heart attack may be a fainting episode.