Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Myocardial Infarction - Heart Attack
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, or angina. Angina is often described as a feeling of crushing, pressure, fullness, heaviness, or aching in the center of the chest. These sensations may extend into the neck, the jaw, and down the left arm. Angina is often associated with other symptoms, including:
The type of angina known as stable angina is brought on by exertion and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The type of angina known as unstable angina is more frequent and more severe. It can occur even when the person is resting. Unstable angina is a medical emergency.
Usually, angina is very uncomfortable. However, in some cases, symptoms are mild enough to be discounted as indigestion. A person may deny the chest pain and delay seeking help. Someone who has diabetes may not experience classic angina symptoms. The person with diabetes can have a heart attack without knowing it.