Which of the following is NOT a serious cause of headaches?

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When considering potential serious causes of headaches, it's important to understand the underlying mechanisms and associations of each option. A heart attack primarily affects the heart and is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort that may radiate to other areas like the arm or jaw. While some individuals might experience referred pain, a heart attack is not commonly associated with primary headache pain.

In contrast, hypertension can lead to headaches, particularly when blood pressure levels are severely elevated. It is often linked to hypertensive crises, which can cause significant discomfort and should be addressed promptly.

Cyanide poisoning disrupts cellular respiration, leading to hypoxia and potentially severe neurological symptoms, including headache. It represents a medical emergency that can present with a variety of alarming symptoms, including headache.

A subarachnoid hemorrhage, characterized by bleeding in the space surrounding the brain, is well-known for causing sudden, severe headaches often described as a "thunderclap headache." This life-threatening condition must be evaluated immediately due to its potential complications.

Understanding these distinctions highlights that a heart attack, while life-threatening, is not a direct cause of headaches in the same way that the other options are.

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