Which of the following may indicate atypical ACS?

• A. Chest pressure and shortness of breath
• B. Indigestion, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, weakness
• C. Severe headache
• D. Leg swelling

Answer: (B)

Atypical ACS shows up with non-chest symptoms, and these signs are often seen in groups at higher risk such as women, older adults, and people with diabetes. Indigestion or abdominal discomfort, back pain, nausea, and general weakness can all point to myocardial ischemia even when the classic chest pressure isn’t the main feature. This mixture of non-specific symptoms is what makes this presentation characteristic of atypical ACS, so recognizing these signs helps prevent missed or delayed treatment.

Chest pressure with shortness of breath are more typical symptoms of ACS, not atypical. A severe headache isn’t a common ACS sign, and leg swelling is more related to heart failure or other conditions than to the initial ACS presentation.