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Heart attacks are often thought of as sudden and unexpected, but in many cases, the body starts sending warning signals weeks in advance. These early signs can be subtle, easily mistaken for fatigue, indigestion, or anxiety, but paying attention to them could save your life.
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Experts say that the month leading up to a heart attack may feature a range of physical and emotional symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. These signals can offer critical insight into heart health, if people know what to look for.
The most common early warning signs that may appear a month before a heart attack
Dr CM Nagesh, general secretary at Indian College of Cardiology, tells indianexpress.com, “Some of the most common early warning signs that may appear weeks before a heart attack include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath with mild exertion, a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the chest, disturbed sleep, dizziness, or an unusual sense of anxiety. Some people may also notice cold sweats, irregular heartbeat, or discomfort in areas like the jaw, back, or left shoulder.”
What makes these symptoms tricky is that they often mimic general fatigue, indigestion, or even stress. The key difference lies in the persistence and pattern of the symptoms. “For instance, if someone who was previously able to climb stairs easily begins to feel breathless after just a few steps or notices pressure in the chest during routine activities, it may be worth paying attention. Similarly, if symptoms like indigestion or nausea occur without any known dietary cause and are accompanied by unusual tiredness or unease, it should not be dismissed,” stresses Dr Nagesh.
Are these warning signs the same for men and women, or do they present differently depending on gender?
While chest discomfort remains the most commonly reported symptom in both men and women, women are more likely to experience subtler or atypical signs. “These can include unexplained fatigue, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, or pain in the upper back or jaw. In some cases, women may not report classic chest pain at all, which makes early detection more challenging,” mentions Dr Nagesh.
He adds that because of these differences, symptoms in women are sometimes “misattributed to gastrointestinal or psychological issues.” Both individuals and healthcare providers need to be aware of how these signs can vary based on gender so that timely intervention is not delayed.
If someone notices these potential early symptoms, what should be their immediate next steps?
Suppose someone experiences any of the early signs consistently or notices a change in how their body responds to normal activities. In that case, Dr Nagesh says, they should not wait for symptoms to escalate. “The first step should be to consult a doctor, ideally a general physician or a cardiologist, who can assess risk factors and recommend tests such as an ECG, stress test, or blood work to rule out heart-related causes.”
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Alongside medical evaluation, he states that individuals should begin making “heart-healthy changes,” such as reducing salt and sugar intake, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and incorporating gentle physical activity into their routine, if not already doing so. Recognising these symptoms early and acting on them can significantly reduce the chances of a serious cardiac event.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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