What are the signs of a heart attack?

The signs of a heart attack primarily include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and discomfort that may radiate to other areas such as the arms, back, neck, or jaw. This combination of symptoms is critical to recognize because they indicate that the heart is not receiving enough blood flow, which can lead to significant damage if not treated promptly.

Chest pain often described as pressure or squeezing is a hallmark sign, and the breathing difficulty may come as a result of the stress on the heart. Nausea can occur due to the body’s stress response to a lack of oxygen, and discomfort in other areas signals that the heart's distress can manifest in varied ways throughout the body.

Recognizing these specific signs is vital for timely intervention and can significantly improve outcomes for the individual experiencing a heart attack. Understanding these symptoms helps those trained in basic life support to act quickly and effectively, potentially saving a life.