That s a great question, but not as easy to answer as we doctors would like. The classic heart attack symptoms are quite distinct. Not everyone who has a heart attack has all those symptoms with the same severity.
Some people have mild symptoms.
But, chest pain often accompanies that burning sensation we call heartburn. To complicate matters further, a few other conditions may also cause symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack. It s important to be aware of the possible symptom overlap, but it s nothing to be frightened about. Most cases are actually pretty cut and dried, with many heart attack victims experiencing one or more of the classic symptoms. When in doubt, chew two aspirin, call 911, and proceed to the emergency room.