Which symptom could indicate a heart attack?

Chest pain lasting more than 3-5 minutes is a classic and significant symptom of a heart attack. This type of pain can be described as a feeling of intense pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It may be accompanied by discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, back, teeth, or jaw. This symptom is critical in emergency medical contexts because it often signals that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen due to blocked blood flow, which can lead to permanent damage or even be fatal if not treated quickly.

Other symptoms listed may not be as immediately indicative of a heart attack. For example, headaches can be caused by numerous unrelated factors, while nausea after eating is often related to digestive issues rather than heart conditions. Similarly, swollen ankles might suggest circulatory problems or fluid retention, but they are not typically associated with the acute heart distress characteristic of a heart attack. Therefore, chest pain lasting several minutes is a key sign that warrants immediate medical attention.