Recognizing symptoms of a heart attack can clearly save a person's life. Everyone should be able to recognize signs of a heart attack. Each heart attack is different, so it is necessary to take any symptoms seriously. Taking early action on the symptoms of a heart attack will increase the statistics of surviving. Many people wait too long after signs of a heart attack appear. People mistake signs of a heart attack to be non-life threatening and this can be a fatal mistake. People who do not seek medical attention may have a higher chance of dying. They believe waiting for the symptoms to go away is a better route. The scariest part of a heart attack is that the symptoms are not always obvious. Sometimes the symptoms will go away unexpectedly, so it is crucial to be overly cautious than to ignore these signs. The chest is not the only area a person may experience pain and discomfort. Arms, the back, neck, jaw and stomach pains may also signal a heart attack. Shortness of breath while having such discomfort is a significant warning sign and should be taken seriously. Cold sweats, nausea and light-headedness are also clear signals that something is wrong. These symptoms may disappear when resting and have to be taken seriously. Heart attack symptoms can be deceiving, call 911 and get medical attention immediately to increase the chances of surviving. People who have a history of heart problems may already carry aspirin or nitroglycerin and under a doctor's care and direction. Lowering any physical actions and remaining calm may also help. It also must be said to take steps to become healthier such as changing eating and exercise habits for the better. Listen to the doctor about changing lifestyle habits to have a healthy heart and circulatory system. Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack can save a life. Erring on the side of caution is a life saving action when experiencing these symptoms. Following the advice of a physician, being aware of a heart attack's symptoms and acting on those symptoms will save a life.