Which of the following is a common sign of a heart attack?

Nausea is a common sign of a heart attack and can occur as a result of the body’s response to stress and pain. During a heart attack, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, which can lead to various symptoms as the body reacts to the critical condition. Nausea and vomiting can stem from the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary physiological functions, often triggered during such emergencies.

While options like headache, dizziness, and joint pain can occur in some medical situations, they are less specific to heart attacks. Headaches are not typically associated with heart conditions, while dizziness might indicate other issues such as dehydration or a drop in blood pressure. Joint pain is also not a hallmark symptom of a heart attack and could relate to numerous other conditions. Thus, nausea stands out as a key symptom that may alert both the individual and healthcare providers to the possibility of a cardiac event.