Can a heart attack occur with signs but without chest pain?

• A. Only in elderly
• B. Only in men
• C. No
• D. Yes

Answer: (D)

A heart attack can present without chest pain because the damage comes from a blocked blood vessel supplying the heart, not from a pain signal that everyone expects. Some people—the elderly, women, and those with diabetes—may have atypical or no chest pain and instead experience shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, or pain in the jaw, neck, back, or arms. These nonclassic symptoms still indicate myocardial ischemia, so recognizing them as possible signs of a heart attack is crucial. If you or someone else has these signs, seek emergency help promptly; if no contraindications exist, aspirin can be considered while waiting for responders.