Which symptom is commonly associated with a myocardial infarction?

• A. Headache only
• B. Nausea that improves with rest
• C. Chest tightness or pain in chest, neck, back, or arms
• D. Shortness of breath that only occurs at night

Answer: (C)

A myocardial infarction typically presents with chest discomfort caused by heart muscle ischemia. This pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest and can radiate to the neck, jaw, back, or arms. That radiating chest pain is the most characteristic sign and is the reason this option is the best choice.

Headache alone isn’t a usual sign of a heart attack. Nausea that improves with rest isn’t specific to an MI and could point to other problems, like a stomach or viral issue. Shortness of breath at night suggests other conditions such as sleep-related breathing issues or heart failure, and while breathlessness can occur with a heart attack, being limited to nighttime doesn’t fit the typical MI pattern. If someone experiences chest pain with or without other symptoms, it’s important to seek urgent medical help.