A heart attack results in the loss of function or contractility of the damaged portion of the heart. Others report a stabbing, knifelike or burning sensation. The pain is prolonged, usually lasting for 30 minutes. The pain can also last for hours. The pain does not lessen or increase with changes in the position of the body, nor is it relieved with rest.
Some patients experience no chest pain.
Others report pain in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. The pain can also radiate to the teeth and back. Additional symptoms include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, cold perspiration, weakness, dizziness, cough, fainting, dry mouth, anxiety and a sense of impending doom. For men it might be more localized, while chest pain in women can be described as diffuse. Although many heart attack victims report some form of chest pain, people over age 75 and diabetics often do not feel chest pain and may only feel like they are having indigestion or shortness of breath.