What Warning Signs Can the Body Show Before a Heart Attack?

A heart attack may appear sudden, but some people experience warning signs days or weeks beforehand. The symptoms can be mild and may look like indigestion, ordinary fatigue or muscle pain, according to cardiologists cited by the article.

Chest pain, pressure or discomfort remains one of the most important signs. Stanford Health Care clinical associate professor Abha Khandelwal said symptoms do not always feel like severe crushing pain. Some people experience heaviness, squeezing, pressure or a dull discomfort. Symptoms may appear during activity and ease with rest.

New discomfort, symptoms that occur more often, last longer or gradually worsen should not be dismissed as indigestion or a muscle problem. Johns Hopkins cardiologist Roger Blumenthal said angina can occur as plaque builds up in an artery and limits blood flow to the heart muscle.

A heart attack does not always begin with obvious chest pain. Discomfort can spread to the neck, shoulder, arm or jaw, and older adults may have less typical symptoms. Shortness of breath during activities that previously caused no difficulty is another warning sign. A person who recently becomes breathless while walking, climbing stairs, doing housework or gardening should pay attention to the change.

Digestive symptoms can also occur. Yale Medicine cardiologist Nikhil Sikand said abdominal pain, nausea and overall fatigue may serve as warning signs, although not everyone who has a heart attack experiences them. The article emphasizes that recognizing unusual or worsening symptoms can help people seek evaluation and treatment sooner.