A serious problem is that heart attack pain is not distinctive. Unless the heart attack is massive, the pain is easily ignored as indigestion or arthritic shoulder pain. While taking a history and examining a patient, doctors are trained to watch for Levine s sign where the patient clutches a clenched fist over the sternum while they describe the pain. Here is a list from the website listed below Warning signs of a heart attack: In some, but not all, cases, the body will send warning signs that indicate a heart attack. These include: uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain, or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than two minutes. This pain may be persistent, or may go away and return. pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms pain, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath. any chest discomfort that causes anxiety or concern any chest discomfort that is accompanied by lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness any of the above symptoms that disappear with rest, then return with exertion unexplained weakness or fatigue palpitations, cold sweat, or paleness Pain that lasts for 10 to 15 minutes while you are resting should also be evaluated immediately.