What are the classic signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction?

Classic signs of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, include substernal chest pain described as crushing, squeezing, or heaviness that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back. Associated symptoms include diaphoresis, nausea, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. Women, elderly patients, and diabetic patients may present atypically with fatigue, indigestion, back pain, or shortness of breath without classic chest pain.