What are typical signs of a heart attack?

The typical signs of a heart attack include chest pain and shortness of breath, which are among the most common symptoms experienced during such an event. Chest pain often presents as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. This discomfort can last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back.

Shortness of breath may occur with or without chest discomfort and can manifest as the feeling of being winded or unable to catch one’s breath. These symptoms are critical for recognizing a heart attack and warrant immediate medical attention.

The other choices represent symptoms that are not typically associated with a heart attack. Skin rash and fever typically indicate an infection or allergic reaction, headache and dizziness may relate to various issues but are not hallmark signs of a heart attack, and muscle aches and fatigue, while they can occur for myriad reasons, are less specific indicators of a cardiac event. Understanding these symptoms helps in the timely recognition and response to heart attacks, which is essential for improving outcomes.