What are symptoms of an MI typically described as?

The symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, are typically described as heavy and hard to ignore. Individuals often report a sensation of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. This heaviness may also radiate to other areas, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, and persists over time, making it difficult for the person to dismiss the feeling.

This type of discomfort is often contrasted with other sensations that may not be as severe or alarming. For example, symptoms that could be described as throbbing and light would not accurately represent the severity and intensity of pain associated with an MI. Similarly, mild and fleeting sensations, or symptoms that are random and infrequent, do not align with the typical presentation of a heart attack, where the discomfort is significant enough to prompt immediate attention and action.