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17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2019, and 85% of these were due to heart attack and stroke. Though heart attacks may seem sudden, research suggests that many people develop symptoms in the days or months leading up to their heart attack. Recognizing these potential signs could save lives. Here are five warning signals of a heart attack that appear a month before.
Chest discomfort and heaviness
Chest pain is a crucial symptom of a heart attack. People often experience milder chest discomfort or pressure days or weeks before a heart attack. It may feel like something squeezing, fullness, or heavy sensation in the chest that comes and goes. It may not always be a sharp pain. Some describe it as something sitting on their chest. This discomfort may radiate to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.
Unusual fatigue
People often complain of unusual fatigue. Persistent and unexplained tiredness is a common early warning sign of a heart attack, especially in women. If you experience unusual tiredness even after proper rest, it is a warning sign. This tiredness could be due to reduced blood flow to the heart, making it work harder. If you experience drained, even while doing daily tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, it's important to consult a doctor.
Shortness of breath
Unexplained shortness of breath, even during light activity or rest, can be an early warning sign of a heart attack. People experience difficulty breathing as the heart has a reduced ability to pump blood efficiently. It could lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to breathlessness. This symptom may appear weeks before a heart attack and should not be ignored, especially if it’s new or worsening.
Palpitations
People also experience their heart racing or notice an unusual rhythm. These irregular, rapid, or forceful heartbeats may feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats in the chest. Palpitations happen as the heart works harder to compensate for reduced blood flow or oxygen. If this is accompanied by dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it could be a sign of an upcoming heart attack.
Sleep disturbances
Another crucial symptom, which people often tend to dismiss, is sleep disturbances. Be it difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested, these sleep disturbances should be considered warning signs. Waking up gasping for air, experiencing night sweats, or having persistent insomnia alongside other symptoms like fatigue or palpitations is a warning sign.
