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What symptoms can occur during a myocardial infarction?

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The role of coronary artery disease in heart attack — cardiovascular disease This micrograph shows a cross section of a coronary artery narrowed by an atherosclerotic plaque (purplish matter inside the artery). Most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which triggers the formation of a clot that abruptly blocks blood flow to part of the heart muscle.

The primary clinical feature of a myocardial infarction is prolonged, severe chest pain, often described as crushing, compressing, or feeling like a vise. This pain typically lasts for at least 30 minutes and can persist for hours or days.1

Common associated symptoms include:
* Pain radiation: Discomfort may spread to the arms (particularly the left), neck, back, or jaw.213
* Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.213
* Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, vomiting, or heartburn.13
* Systemic signs: Profuse sweating, weakness, and pallor.213
* Neurological/Circulatory effects: Fainting (syncope), dizziness, or lightheadedness.13
* Cardiac irregularities: Rapid or irregular heartbeat.21

In some cases, individuals may experience signs of heart failure, such as abnormal respiratory sounds (rales) or a gallop rhythm. In severe instances, patients may enter a state of shock, characterized by low blood pressure and cool extremities. Notably, symptoms can occasionally be absent, with the infarction detectable only through laboratory tests.1