Which of the following is a key sign of a heart attack?

Chest discomfort is considered a key sign of a heart attack because it typically manifests as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. This symptom can last for more than a few minutes or go away and return. It is often one of the most recognizable symptoms that individuals may experience during a heart attack, and it signifies that the heart muscle may not be receiving enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow, often caused by narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries.

While abdominal pain, headache, and excessive sweating can occur during a heart attack, they are less specific and can be associated with a variety of other medical conditions or stress-related events. Abdominal pain may occur in some cases, particularly in women, but it is not as commonly recognized as a primary indicator of a heart attack compared to chest discomfort. Similarly, while headaches can accompany various conditions, they do not specifically indicate cardiac problems. Excessive sweating can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially when associated with chest pain; however, it is often viewed as a side effect of the body’s stress response rather than a definitive sign on its own.