But most heart attacks produce some chest pain. The pain may be constant or intermittent. About a third of all heart attacks occur without any previous warning signs. An estimated 3 million to 4 million Americans may be afflicted with silent ischemia. But those who survive the initial attack and are free from major problems a few hours later stand a better chance of full recovery.
Recovery is always a delicate process because any attack weakens the heart to some degree.
But generally, a normal life can be resumed within three months. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with heart attack as the No. 1 killer. Symptoms A prolonged crushing, squeezing, or burning pain in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck, one or both arms, shoulders, or the jaw. Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, chills, sweating, weak pulse.