6 Signs of a Heart Attack

man put hands on his heart

When it comes to heart health, the more you know, the better you can protect yourself. A heart attack doesn’t usually strike without warning—your body often sends subtle signals weeks or even months in advance. The key is to understand the early symptoms of heart attack and take action. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss six signs of heart attack a month before the event. Along the way, we’ll explore the importance of early detection, how to identify risk factors, and when to seek medical attention.

Understanding a Heart Attack

A heart attack happens when the blood flowing to our heart is blocked. It most often happens due to a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the coronary arteries, causing damage to the heart muscle and, if untreated, can be life-threatening.

But here’s the thing: not all heart attacks come with the dramatic chest-clutching pain we see in movies. In reality, heart attack symptoms can be much subtler, especially in women and individuals with certain risk factors like diabetes.

Early detection is critical. By recognising the pre-symptoms of a heart attack, you can seek medical help before the situation becomes critical.

Early Symptoms of Heart Diseases

Contrary to popular belief, heart attacks don’t always manifest themselves with intense chest pain. Often, the symptoms are quiet and easily overlooked.

  • Early warning signs of a heart attack may be fatigue, shortness of breath, or even digestive issues.
  • Men and women may experience different symptoms. For example, women are more likely to feel jaw or back pain rather than classic chest discomfort.

Many patients initially think their early signs are minor issues like indigestion or stress, only to later realise their significance.

6 Signs to Watch Out For

If you notice any of these symptoms and if they persist, it’s time to seek medical help.

Chest Discomfort

This is the classic symptom, but it’s not always severe. You might feel pressure, squeezing, or a sense of fullness in the chest. This discomfort can come and can occur anytime.

Shortness of Breath

Feeling out of breath during normal activities or even at rest could be an early warning sign. This happens because your heart isn’t pumping efficiently, leading to a reduced oxygen supply.

Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue, especially if it worsens over time, is a common heart attack warning sign. Many patients report feeling unusually tired even after mild exertion.

Pain in Other Areas

Heart pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. You might feel discomfort in your arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. Women, in particular, often report these symptoms.

Digestive Issues

Symptoms like nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain can sometimes signal a heart problem. These are often mistaken for gastrointestinal issues. The signs should not be ignored, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling unrefreshed can be an early symptom of heart disease. Nighttime chest pain or shortness of breath could also indicate a problem.

Risk Factors and Prevention

While recognising symptoms is important, understanding and addressing your risk factors is equally critical. Some of the major risk factors for a heart attack are:

Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Heart Attacks

Lifestyle changes help lowering your risk of a heart attack. Here are a few ti

ps you can follow:

  • Incorporate a Heart-Healthy Diet: Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains into meals. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
  • Exercise Regularly: 150 minutes of minimum moderate-intensity exercise per week is essential. Even activities like walking or cycling can make a big difference.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can be harmful for your heart. Indulge in relaxation exercises like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels which increases the risk of a heart attack. Seek support if you need help quitting.
  • Stay on Top of Regular Check-Ups: Regular screenings and full body checkups can help detect problems early.

Preventive heart care helps patients identify and manage their risk factors effectively.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate a heart attack—whether mild or severe—it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore:

  • Persistent chest pain or discomfort
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Pain radiating to the arms, jaw, or back
  • Sudden onset of nausea or dizziness

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a heart attack. Early intervention can save lives.

Man hands on his head felling headache dizzy

Importance of Early Intervention

The earlier you seek help, the better your chances of recovery. Treatments like angioplasty and medications can minimise heart damage and improve long-term outcomes.

Advanced diagnostic capabilities to catch heart problems early. From non-invasive tests like 2D Echo to stress tests and more, with modern procedures like these, patient receives timely and accurate care.

Myth-Busting: Heart Attack Symptoms

There’s a persistent myth that heart attacks always come with crushing chest pain. While this can be true for some, many people experience less dramatic symptoms.

For example, women often report subtle signs like fatigue or jaw pain, which can be mistaken for other conditions. Understanding the symptoms and differentiating is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Dr. Manjinder Sandhu For Cardiac Health

The idea of a heart attack can be scary, but with the right knowgedge and guidance, you can prevent it. By recognising the early warning signs of a heart attack, managing your risk factors, and seeking timely care, you can take control of your heart health.

Dr. Manjinder Sandhu is here to guide you every step of the way. From preventive care to advanced treatments, he is dedicated to helping you live a heart-healthy life.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Manjinder Sandhu today and take the first step toward safeguarding your heart.