A heart attack isn’t always like what you see in movies, where someone grabs their chest and falls to the ground. In real life, the signs can be mild and show up slowly. Knowing these early symptoms could help save your life or someone else’s.
I once had a patient, a 52-year-old man, who came to the clinic complaining of "mild indigestion" and feeling unusually fatigued for a week. He brushed it off, assuming it was just stress. A few days later, he suffered a heart attack. Luckily, he got to the hospital in time, but his story is a powerful reminder—never ignore your body's signals.
How to Suspect a Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is reduced or blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but it’s not always present. Here are four key warning signs:
1. Chest Discomfort
This is the classic symptom, but it doesn’t always feel like severe pain. Many describe it as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. It can last for a few minutes or come and go.
2. Pain Spreading to Other Areas
Heart attack pain isn’t just in the chest. It can spread to the shoulders, arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or even the stomach. Some people mistake it for muscle pain or heartburn.
3. Shortness of Breath & Unusual Fatigue
Feeling out of breath for no clear reason or feeling exhausted even after light activity can be early signs, especially in women. Some people experience extreme weakness or dizziness before an attack.
4. Nausea, Cold Sweats, or Lightheadedness
Some heart attacks cause sweating, nausea, or vomiting, often mistaken for food poisoning or the flu. Feeling lightheaded or fainting can also be a red flag.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
- Call emergency services immediately. Time is critical. Don’t try to “wait it out.”
- Chew and swallow aspirin (325mg). It helps thin the blood and prevent further clotting.
- Stay calm and rest. Avoid any strenuous activity and sit in a comfortable position.
- If the person is unconscious, start CPR while waiting for emergency services.
Preventing a Heart Attack: Simple Lifestyle Tips
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – More fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and less processed food.
- Exercise regularly – Even a 30-minute walk can improve heart health.
- Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase heart disease risk.
- Quit smoking – One of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks.
- Get regular checkups – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Heart attacks don’t always announce themselves dramatically. Listen to your body, act fast, and spread awareness. You never know whose life you might save.