A heart attack does not always give a clear warning one month in advance, and some heart attacks happen suddenly. However, some people do experience warning symptoms in the days, weeks, or even months before a heart attack. These signs should not be ignored, especially in people with heart risk factors.
6 possible warning signs to pay attention to
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- A feeling of squeezing, heaviness, fullness, or burning in the chest.
- It may come and go, especially during activity or stress.
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Feeling breathless with normal activities or at rest can be a warning sign.
- Unusual fatigue
- Extreme tiredness that is new or unexplained, especially in women and older adults.
- Pain or discomfort spreading beyond the chest
- Symptoms may occur in the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Especially when combined with chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
- Cold sweats, nausea, or a feeling of impending illness
- These can occur with heart problems, even without severe chest pain.
Seek emergency help immediately if:
- Chest pressure lasts more than a few minutes or keeps returning
- Pain spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- There is severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden weakness
Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease increase concern.
If you or someone else is having symptoms right now, it’s safer to seek emergency medical help rather than waiting to see if they pass.
