8 Signals Your Body Gives You Before a Heart Attack (A Month Before)

The key to stopping any disease before it starts is to identify its symptoms.

However, this begs the question: how does this apply to heart attacks?

According to medical evidence, a critical set of symptoms can appear up to a month (or even earlier) before the heart attack happens.

Due to the fact that heart attacks are becoming more prevalent within the younger generation, we decided to highlight some of the early indicators that may save you from having a heart attack.

8. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most sensitive signs of an impending heart attack. The symptoms are more common among women than men.

A Quick Summary:

If you ever experience exhaustion to the point where even basic tasks are cumbersome, you should be cautious. Fatigue is a very common symptom and one that often gets worse as the day goes on.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by physical or mental activity. In other words, even if you had a busy day, you shouldn't be tired because of it.

It is common for fatigue to be triggered by underlying medical conditions like anemia or sleep deprivation. Moreover, it can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you've been feeling tired for quite some time and it won't go away, speak with your doctor to rule out any hidden causes.

In the meantime, try to get some rest!

7. Abdominal pains

There are multiple symptoms associated with heart attacks, including nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain. The symptoms are equally likely to affect both men and women.

A Quick Summary:

In most cases, abdominal pain is not a cause for concern. It is imperative to note, however, that abdominal pain can indicate something more serious, such as a heart attack. For example, episodes of abdominal pain that come and go over a period of time are often associated with heart attacks.

It might worsen if you are carrying or lifting heavy objects, or if you are under physical tension. Hence, it is advised to see a doctor if your abdominal pain persists or becomes unbearable so that any potentially life-threatening conditions can be ruled out.

6. Insomnia

It should be noted that women experiencing insomnia are also at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. A high level of anxiety and absentmindedness are typical wakefulness symptoms.

A Quick Summary:

Insomnia is a symptom, not a disease.

Also known as sleeplessness, this sleeping disorder is usually triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, or a physical condition. It can be classified as either acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing).

An individual with insomnia has difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep and wakes up early in the morning.

Furthermore, people with sleeplessness often feel tired during the day and may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Insomnia can increase the risk of accidents, errors, and absenteeism from work or school. Additionally, it can also cause physical and mental health problems.

A simple method to cure insomnia is to make lifestyle changes, such as stress management, relaxation techniques, or medications.

5. Shortness of breath

Dyspnea, also known as breathlessness, refers to the feeling of being unable to draw a deep breath. Both men and women often experience this before having a heart attack for up to six months. Usually, the symptoms appear as a warning sign of underlying medical conditions.

A Quick Summary:

Dyspnea is a feeling of suffocation or not being able to get enough air. It can be accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, and anxiety. This condition is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart failure. It can also be caused by anxiety or a panic attack.

Dyspnea can be a sign of a serious medical emergency like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Hence, if you ever experience dyspnea, it is critical to see a doctor right away.

Remember, dyspnea is not a common sensation and should not be ignored.

4. Hair Loss

Hair loss is another sign that you may be at risk for heart disease. While it mainly affects men over 50, some women can also be included in the risk group. Moreover, baldness is also associated with an increased level of the hormone cortisol.

A Quick Summary:

Cortisol is a stress hormone that can have a negative impact on your health when it's present in excess. So if you're balding and stressed out, it's a double whammy for your health.

Fortunately, both hair loss and stress are treatable, so it's important to speak to your doctor if you have concerns about either of them.

3. Irregular Heartbeat

It's estimated that arrhythmia affects over 2 million Americans, and while it can occur in both men and women, panic attacks and anxiety are more common among women. An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can appear suddenly and in different ways: as an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or tachycardia (increased heart rate).

In most cases, a skipped beat or arrhythmia is harmless and doesn't require treatment. However, for some people, the symptoms can be debilitating.

A Quick Summary:

An irregular heartbeat can last for up to two minutes. Symptoms such as dizziness and extreme fatigue occur if it doesn't fade. Physical activity, such as exercise, can give an extra stimulus to the increase of heart rate, especially in cases of atherosclerosis disease.

While there is no cure for arrhythmia, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and improve the quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms of an arrhythmia, consult with your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

2. Excessive Perspiration

Sweating is the body's way of regulating temperature. When we exercise, our heart rate increases and we produce more heat.

To cool down, our blood vessels open wider to allow more blood to flow close to the skin, where it can be cooled by the evaporation of sweat. However, sometimes we may sweat excessively, even when we are not physically active or in a hot environment.

This can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as an infection, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease. In particular, unusual or excessive sweating that occurs at night or during rest is often an early warning sign of a heart attack.

If you experience this symptom, it is important to seek medical help immediately. While night sweats and hot flashes are common during menopause, they typically occur on their own, without any other symptoms.

In contrast, heart attack sweating is usually accompanied by other warning signs, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. As a result, it is vital to be aware of the difference between these two conditions.

A Quick Summary:

If you've been feeling excessively sweaty, especially at night, it could be a sign of a more serious condition known as hyperhidrosis.

Although sweating is a natural and necessary process, people with hyperhidrosis produce significantly more sweat than is needed to regulate their body temperature.

In some cases, sweating can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities and causes emotional distress. If you think you might be suffering from hyperhidrosis, consult a doctor or medical professional for an evaluation.

With treatment, you can finally put an end to those sleepless, sweaty nights.

1. Chest Pain

Chest pain is one of the most feared symptoms by both men and women. It is possible to have chest pain accompanied by discomfort in one or both arms (more often the left one), the lower jaw, neck, shoulders, or stomach. It may have a permanent or temporary character.

A Quick Summary:

In men, chest pain is often the first and most important sign of an impending heart attack, while in women it is less common, affecting only 30%. Chest pains can differ in intensity and form between men and women, with men tending to experience more severe chest pains that are often a sign of a heart attack. Women, on the other hand, may experience more mild chest pains that are often not indicative of a heart attack.

Regardless of gender, chest pain is always a symptom that should not be ignored and warrants further investigation by a medical professional. With chest pain being such a feared symptom, it is important to understand the difference between men and women in order to better know when to seek medical attention.