Which symptom is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?

Chest pain or discomfort is a hallmark symptom of a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This symptom often manifests as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It may last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back, and it can also radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

The reason this symptom is particularly indicative of a myocardial infarction is due to the underlying pathophysiology. During a heart attack, blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is obstructed, usually due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This lack of blood supply deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, resulting in pain or discomfort as the heart tissue starts to suffer from ischemia.

While sudden weight gain, severe headache, and high fever can indicate other health issues, they are not classic signs of a myocardial infarction. For instance, sudden weight gain may suggest fluid retention, a headache might indicate various conditions including tension or migraine, and fever can suggest infection or inflammation. These symptoms do not directly correlate with the acute cardiac events that characterize a myocardial infarction, making chest pain or discomfort the most telling sign in this context.