The symptoms of a heart attack are not always made obvious by severe chest pain. Occasionally, the pain surfaces in simple discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or upper stomach. Even pain in the jaw can have some relation to an impending heart attack, especially when paired with nausea, shortness of breath, and sudden cold sweats. Unfortunately, many patients will ignore these forms of discomfort in the absence of severe chest pain. Patients suffering any combination of these symptoms should seek instant medical assistance to check for potential heart problems.