From the Guidelines
The most common symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) include chest pain, dyspnea, pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, with variations in presentation among women, people with diabetes, and older individuals. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, these symptoms can manifest differently in various populations. For instance, women, people with diabetes, and older individuals may experience symptoms such as dyspnea, back, neck, jaw, or stomach pain, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, rather than the classic chest pain.
- Key symptoms to recognize include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dyspnea
- Pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness It is crucial to note that the presentation of these symptoms can vary significantly among different individuals, and some may not exhibit the typical chest pain associated with a heart attack. The use of emergency medical services (EMS) transportation is associated with reduced ischemic time and treatment delays compared to transportation by personal vehicle 1. Therefore, it is essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur, as prompt treatment can significantly improve survival and reduce heart damage.
From the Research
Common Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction
The symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) include:
- Chest pain, which travels from left arm to neck 2
- Shortness of breath 2, 3
- Sweating 2, 4
- Nausea 2, 5
- Vomiting 2, 5
- Abnormal heart beating 2
- Anxiety 2, 4
- Fatigue 2, 3
- Weakness 2, 3
- Stress 2
- Depression 2
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders 5
- Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint 5
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back 5
Variation in Symptoms by Sex
Women who experience acute myocardial infarction often present with atypical chest pain and other symptoms, such as dyspnea, weakness, and fatigue 3, 6
Diagnostic Accuracy of Signs and Symptoms
The diagnostic value of signs and symptoms can be assessed using diagnostic meta-analyses, and the most useful symptoms in the diagnosis of AMI were pain radiating to both arms, absence of chest wall tenderness, pain radiating to the right arm, and sweating 4