Heart attacks might feel sudden, but your body can show signs weeks before. These early warnings are often mistaken for less serious problems, but knowing them can save your life.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death, with a person dying every 33 seconds in the U.S. A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood, and delays in treatment increase damage.
Unusual tiredness is common before an attack. If you feel exhausted after rest or find normal activities tiring, it’s a warning. Shortness of breath without physical effort or dizziness can also indicate heart issues.
Chest pain may be mild or intermittent and can feel like indigestion. Women often experience pain in the jaw, back, neck, or shoulders instead of chest pain.
Nausea or stomach discomfort can be signs, too, often confused with food poisoning. Cold sweats and dizziness, especially sudden and unexplained, are serious symptoms.
Sleep problems like waking up breathless or night sweats and heart palpitations—racing or irregular heartbeats—should not be ignored.
If you notice these signs, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Early detection is key to preventing serious harm.
