Final answer:
A heart attack or cardiac arrest may present with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, pain in the jaw, neck, or back, or no symptoms at all, especially in the case of coronary artery disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common symptoms of a heart attack or cardiac arrest include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. Chest pain linked with heart conditions often feels like pressure or squeezing and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. These symptoms occur due to the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, a condition known as ischemia.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) can lead to episodes of angina or more severe conditions such as myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, and cardiac arrest. CAD is a consequence of the buildup of plaque within the walls of the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood effectively, leading to a life-threatening emergency.
The symptoms of a heart attack can be different for males and females, with females less likely to experience the classic radiating chest pain. Angina pectoris is the term used to describe the chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the heart muscle. It is essential for individuals to recognize these symptoms early and seek medical attention, as they might be the first or only indication of a significant heart condition.