What is a common symptom of a heart attack?

A common symptom of a heart attack is nausea or vomiting. During a heart attack, the body can respond to the stress and pain with various symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or indigestion are frequently reported. This symptom may be due to the body’s reaction to the heart not receiving enough blood, which can cause a feeling of discomfort that extends beyond the chest area. Other symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and discomfort in other areas of the upper body, are more commonly associated with heart attacks, but nausea is a notable symptom that can occur in conjunction with these signs, particularly in women.

The other options listed typically are not associated with heart attacks. Severe headaches may indicate other medical issues or stress but do not commonly relate to heart attack symptoms. Sudden weight gain might be related to fluid retention due to other issues and is not an immediate indicator of a heart attack. Frequent urination usually relates to different health conditions or may occur in individuals with specific medical histories, but it is not a usual symptom experienced during a heart attack. Thus, nausea or vomiting stands out as a key symptom in recognizing a heart attack.