A Heart Attack Can Send Signals Days or Even Weeks Before—7 Signs to Know

A heart attack can sometimes be preceded by warning symptoms, although they do not always occur and can be easy to mistake for other health problems.

Here are 7 possible warning signs to know:

1. Unusual fatigue — feeling unusually tired without an obvious reason.
2. Shortness of breath — especially with normal activities or exertion.
3. Chest pressure or discomfort — it may feel like squeezing, heaviness, or fullness rather than sharp pain.
4. Pain or discomfort spreading elsewhere — such as the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.
5. Nausea or indigestion — particularly when accompanied by other symptoms.
6. Dizziness or lightheadedness — especially if it is sudden or unexplained.
7. Unusual sweating — particularly cold or unexplained sweating.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a heart attack is coming, and some heart attacks occur without much warning. Symptoms can also differ between individuals.

Important: If you have new or severe chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to pass.