Symptoms may not be dramatic

Movies and TV often portray heart attacks as dramatic, chest-clutching events. But heart attacks may begin with subtle symptoms. The chest discomfort may not even be described as pain.

Many people have warning symptoms that happen hours, days or weeks in advance. For example, chest pain or pressure that keeps happening and doesn't go away with rest may be an early warning sign of a heart attack.

Never ignore heart attack symptoms, even if they don't seem serious.