Many people believe they will recognize the symptoms of a heart attack simply because of what they have seen on TV or at the movies. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most start slowly with mild pain and discomfort.

The longest running heart study in the United States suggests that one in four heart attacks produce no symptoms, or at least none that the victim associates with a heart problem. Many people experiencing a heart attack are not sure they are having one and think it's only heartburn or indigestion.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely and may be different than those experienced by a relative or friend. Symptoms can also vary by gender. According to MayoClinic.com, typical heart attack symptoms include:

Chest discomfort or pain - can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes and may come and go.

Upper body pain - may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. May be present with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain - may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath - may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before chest discomfort develops.

Anxiety - may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Sweating - may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.

Nausea and vomiting - may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Heart attack symptoms for women are often different than those for men. The most common symptom of a heart attack is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. Women are more likely to also have symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:

Some heart attacks may have the classic symptoms as portrayed on television or in the movies. Don't be tempted to downplay symptoms or brush them off as only indigestion or anxiety. Getting treatment quickly improves the chances of survival.

For information purposes only and not intended as specific medical advice.

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