A heart attack does not always occur suddenly and without warning, and the body may warn of it days or even weeks in advance with symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, pain radiating to the neck, shoulder, or jaw, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and digestive problems. Experts emphasize that recognizing these signs, especially if they are recurrent or worsen, and seeking timely medical care can save lives.
Chest pain or a feeling of pressure
According to Dr. Roger Blumenthal, director of the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Johns Hopkins University, angina or intermittent chest pain caused by the gradual buildup of plaque inside the arteries can be a warning sign of a heart attack or a cardiac event in the coming days. Sudden narrowing or spasm of the coronary arteries can also produce such a sign.
HuffPost reports that if you have any discomfort in your chest, it is important to contact your doctor, because angina does not always appear as pain.
Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or jaw
A heart attack is usually associated with sudden left arm pain. However, early-stage pain symptoms may not be so obvious.
Blumenthal says: "Sometimes angina is that pain or pressure in the chest, but in some cases, especially in older adults, it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain that radiates to the neck, shoulder, or arm."
Dr. Abha Chandlowal, clinical professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Health Care, also says this sign may appear as a numbness that rises to the upper jaw.
Shortness of breath or discomfort after activity
Dr. Chandlowal says becoming short of breath quickly can also be a warning. For example, you may become more short of breath than usual after doing a simple task, such as installing a new light or preparing the garden for spring.
She added that some people experience arm numbness or chest discomfort after vigorous physical activity.
Nausea or other digestive discomfort
According to Dr. Nikhil Sikand, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, abdominal pain, nausea, and general fatigue may also be warning signs of a heart attack. However, these symptoms do not occur in everyone. He noted: "Some patients may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all."
Chest pain in the month leading up to a heart attack is a common symptom.
Increase in frequency or severity of symptoms in the days leading up to a heart attack
The time interval between symptom onset and a cardiac event varies and can differ greatly from person to person. However, Chandlowal said about two-thirds of his patients, when reviewing the month before a heart attack, can recall a time when they experienced chest pain. Some people may also notice worsening symptoms in the days leading up to a heart attack.
He said: "Often, on the same day or week leading up to a heart attack, more symptoms appear. These symptoms may occur more frequently, last longer, or even become more severe."
If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to seek medical help. Especially if the symptoms are sudden and severe, you should immediately contact emergency services. Even if you have no history of heart disease and your symptoms are mild, you should still inform your doctor. The doctor can determine the appropriate action and, if necessary, arrange for the required tests.
People who receive rapid medical care can still receive life-saving treatments even after a heart attack has occurred.
Preventing a heart attack in daily life
Although many risk factors are beyond control, many others can be managed. Simple actions like daily walking or removing certain foods from the diet, along with knowing important health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar and recognizing heart attack warning signs, can reduce the likelihood of a cardiac event.
Even if you have heart disease, knowing the risk factors and taking necessary steps to maintain health is still important. Dr. Blumenthal explains: "After a person has a heart attack once, the likelihood of another cardiovascular event in the following year is much higher. Therefore, modifying lifestyle-related risk factors and appropriate medical therapy are very important."