Which symptom is consistent with cardiac-related chest pain?
A Drooping face when smiling
B Squeezing or heavy chest pain
C Pinpoint pupils
D The patient is no longer breathing
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B. Squeezing or heavy chest pain
Explanation (300+ words):
Cardiac-related chest pain, especially as seen in conditions like angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack), is most characteristically described as a squeezing, pressure-like, or heavy pain in the chest. This sensation often feels as though something is sitting or pressing on the chest and may radiate to other parts of the body such as the left arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder. Patients often describe it as “an elephant sitting on my chest.” This type of pain typically results from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blocked coronary arteries.
This chest pain may be associated with other symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating (diaphoresis)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Let’s review the incorrect options:
A. Drooping face when smiling:
This is more indicative of a stroke (cerebrovascular accident) rather than a cardiac event. Facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech are hallmark signs of a stroke, not a heart-related condition.
C. Pinpoint pupils:
This symptom is commonly associated with opioid overdose rather than cardiac conditions. Pinpoint pupils, along with respiratory depression and unconsciousness, are classic findings in narcotic overdoses.
D. The patient is no longer breathing:
This indicates cardiac or respiratory arrest, which is an emergency that may result from a heart attack but is not a symptom. Rather, it is an outcome of a critical condition and requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.
Summary:
Cardiac chest pain is best characterized by squeezing or heavy pressure in the chest, making option B the most accurate. Recognizing this symptom promptly can lead to early intervention and save lives in emergencies such as heart attacks.