Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which is a typical sign of a heart attack?

1. Persistent cough

2. Radiating chest discomfort

3. Localized pain in the shoulder

4. Excessive sweating without movement

The correct answer is: Radiating chest discomfort

Radiating chest discomfort is a classic and typical sign of a heart attack. This type of discomfort often doesn’t remain confined to the chest; it can spread to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This characteristic symptom is linked to the heart muscle being deprived of oxygen, which is a result of blocked blood flow due to coronary artery disease. Patients may describe this discomfort varying from pressure, squeezing, or a feeling of fullness. In contrast, persistent cough, localized pain in the shoulder, and excessive sweating without movement may occur in other medical conditions but are not considered hallmark signs of a heart attack. A persistent cough can be associated with respiratory issues, localized shoulder pain may indicate musculoskeletal problems, and excessive sweating can occur in various situations not related to cardiac events. Therefore, while these symptoms can be concerning and warrant medical attention, they do not effectively identify a heart attack, making radiating chest discomfort a more reliable indicator in this context.