The World Health Organization identifies ischaemic heart disease as the leading cause of death globally, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for 8.9 million deaths in 2019.
Research indicates that in the days or months before a heart attack, individuals may experience prodromal symptoms—early warning signs that are often overlooked by both patients and healthcare providers, according to a study published in The National Library of Medicine.
Some of these symptoms include chest pain, heaviness, burning sensations, palpitations, fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety, sudden temperature changes, back pain, and vomiting.
Key Warning Signs:
- Fatigue – Extreme exhaustion, sleepiness, or lack of energy could signal reduced blood flow to the heart due to narrowed arteries.
- Shortness of Breath – When the lungs don’t receive enough oxygen, the body struggles to function properly. WebMD notes that difficulty breathing and fatigue could indicate heart failure.
- Weakness – A sudden feeling of weakness without an obvious cause may be your body’s way of signaling a need for lifestyle changes.
- Dizziness & Cold Sweats – Poor circulation can lead to lightheadedness and unexpected sweating, symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Flu-Like Symptoms – Many heart attack survivors report experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to the event.
- Chest Pressure – A persistent feeling of pressure in the chest that intensifies over time is a common warning sign of an impending heart attack.
- Swollen Feet – In cases of congestive heart failure, the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and feet.
For a deeper understanding of heart attack symptoms and early warning signs, watch Dr. Travis Stork’s discussion in the video below.
