- One of the most common early signs, especially in women
- Feeling exhausted after light activity or even no activity
- Can last for days or weeks
📊 A study in Circulation found 70% of women reported unusual fatigue before a heart attack.
2. Chest Discomfort (Not Always Pain)
- May feel like:
- Pressure, squeezing, or fullness
- A dull ache or burning
- Comes and goes
- Not always severe — sometimes mistaken for heartburn
💡 It may not be “crushing pain” — but it doesn’t go away with rest.
3. Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty breathing during normal activities (walking, climbing stairs)
- Can occur with or without chest discomfort
- May feel like you can’t catch your breath
4. Pain in the Arm, Neck, Jaw, or Back
- Often on the left side, but can be on the right or both
- Jaw pain is especially common in women
- May come and go, especially during activity
5. Nausea, Indigestion, or Dizziness
- Feels like “the flu” or acid reflux
- May be accompanied by cold sweats or lightheadedness
- Often ignored — but can be a red flag
6. Sleep Disturbances
- Waking up gasping or sweating
- New or worsening insomnia
- May be linked to reduced heart function at night
7. Anxiety or Sense of Doom
- Sudden feelings of panic or unease
- Not tied to stress or mental health
- Some describe it as “knowing something is wrong”
🚨 When to Seek Help
Don’t wait.
If you or someone you love experiences:
- Chest discomfort that lasts more than 5 minutes
- Shortness of breath with or without chest pain
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back
- Cold sweat, nausea, or dizziness
👉 Call emergency services immediately.
⏱️ Delaying treatment can cause permanent heart damage — or death.
✅ What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
Final Thoughts
Your body doesn’t always shout.
Sometimes, it whispers.
And when it comes to heart health, those quiet signals — fatigue, breathlessness, discomfort — may be the most important messages of all.
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