6 Early Warning Signs That Could Indicate a Heart Attack One Month Before It Happens

The symptoms that may appear in the month leading up to a heart attack, referred to as prodromal symptoms, can often resemble those experienced during an actual heart attack. These symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

However, some people may experience other, less typical symptoms, and it is important to note that each person’s experience can be different. Not everyone will have warning signs before a heart attack—some may not experience any symptoms at all.

This article outlines the six most common symptoms that may appear in the month before a heart attack, along with those that are less frequent. It also explains what typically occurs just before a heart attack.

1) Chest Pain

A study conducted in 2023 with 242 individuals who had experienced a heart attack found that 100 of them had prodromal symptoms, with chest pain being the most common. In this study, 68% of participants experienced chest pain before their heart attack.

2) Chest Heaviness

The same study revealed that 44% of people with prodromal symptoms described feelings of chest heaviness, tightness, or pressure, often linked to physical exertion. This is another frequent symptom seen in those at risk of a heart attack.

3) Heart Palpitations

In the 2023 study, 42% of participants who had early heart attack symptoms experienced heart palpitations. These palpitations occur when the heart beats too fast or forcefully, and it may even feel like the heart is skipping a beat.

4) Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is often associated with heart disease. It can cause difficulty catching your breath while walking, performing physical activities, or even when at rest.

5) Chest Burning

A burning sensation in the chest can sometimes signal an impending heart attack. This can feel similar to heartburn, and it is important to pay attention to the timing of the symptoms and any additional signs.

6) Fatigue

While occasional tiredness is normal, persistent and unexplained fatigue could indicate a more serious health issue. If you experience continuous fatigue with no clear cause, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Heart Attack Symptoms: Women vs. Men

While both men and women often experience chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack, women are more likely to experience other symptoms, including:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Nausea

It is also more common for women to dismiss these symptoms, attributing them to less serious conditions, which may delay receiving life-saving treatment.

Less Common Heart Attack Warning Symptoms

With rising rates of conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure, younger individuals are at greater risk for heart attacks. Therefore, it is crucial for adults of all ages to recognize potential warning signs.

In addition to the classic heart attack symptoms, there are some less common symptoms that could appear in the month before a heart attack:

• Dizziness: You may experience lightheadedness or dizziness, which could be due to reduced blood flow to the brain from a blockage. If dizziness occurs with other pre-heart attack symptoms, seek medical advice.
• Nausea: Unexplained nausea or stomach discomfort may occur in the weeks leading up to a heart attack.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is a common symptom among people with cardiovascular disease, with 23% of individuals with pre-heart attack symptoms reporting it.
• Sleep Disturbances: While stress or caffeine intake can interfere with sleep, sleep problems without an obvious cause could be a warning sign of heart attack risk.
• Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can indicate poor circulation, which may be linked to a blockage leading to a heart attack.
• Pain in Other Areas: Heart attack pain is not always limited to the chest. It can radiate to the arms, back, jaw, or neck. This pain may occur during a heart attack or in the weeks leading up to it.

Why Symptoms Occur Before a Heart Attack

Symptoms may appear before a heart attack as the body responds to reduced blood flow to the heart. Fatty cholesterol deposits, calcium, and inflammatory cells can accumulate in the walls of coronary arteries, causing plaques to form. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking blood and oxygen from reaching the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

The underlying causes of these symptoms include:

• Reduced blood flow to the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.
• Abnormal heart rhythms, which can cause symptoms like dizziness.
• Poor circulation, which may lead to swelling in the legs or ankles.

What Happens Right Before a Heart Attack

Although symptoms can vary from person to person, there are some common signs that many individuals experience. These signs often mirror those that occur in the weeks or months before a heart attack, and they include:

• Chest pain or discomfort, typically in the center or left side of the chest. The pain may last more than a few minutes or may come and go.
• Light-headedness or feeling faint.
• Sweating.
• Pain in the back, neck, or jaw.
• Discomfort in the arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath.

If you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. The sooner medical attention is received, the lower the risk of permanent heart damage.

Conclusion

Heart attacks typically don’t occur without warning; they are usually preceded by symptoms that people tend to dismiss or rationalize away. Recognizing these early warning signs and seeking prompt medical care can help prevent a life-threatening situation. If you experience any of these symptoms, take them seriously and consult with a healthcare provider right away.