Heart attacks are a common yet dangerous medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. With proper knowledge and awareness, the occurrence of heart attacks can be reduced.

However, identifying the early warning signs of a heart attack is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes. Here are the top 10 early warning signs of a heart attack.

Chest Pain and Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. The pain may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest.

It usually lasts for several minutes and may radiate to other areas of the body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Chest pain or discomfort is a serious symptom and should not be ignored.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another early warning sign of a heart attack. It can occur suddenly or gradually and may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort.

Shortness of breath can occur at rest or with exertion and is caused by the reduced blood flow to the lungs or heart. If you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

Lightheadedness and Dizziness

Lightheadedness and dizziness are common symptoms of a heart attack. They may occur together or separately and can occur with or without chest pain.

Lightheadedness and dizziness may be caused by the insufficient blood flow to the brain, which can impair brain function and lead to fainting or loss of consciousness. If you experience sudden or severe lightheadedness or dizziness, call for medical assistance immediately.

Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue and weakness are early warning signs of a heart attack that can occur days or weeks before the actual attack. These symptoms may be related to the reduced blood flow to the heart or the general lack of oxygen in the body.

Fatigue and weakness can occur suddenly or gradually and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath.

Cold Sweats

Cold sweats are another early warning sign of a heart attack. They may occur suddenly or gradually and can cause chills and shivers. Cold sweats are the result of the body’s natural response to stress or fear.

They can occur with or without chest pain, and should not be ignored.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are early warning signs of a heart attack, especially in women. They may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain and cold sweats.

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by the release of stress hormones in the body or the pressure on the gastrointestinal system due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Heartburn or Indigestion

Heartburn or indigestion are common symptoms of a heart attack in women. They may be mistaken for other gastrointestinal problems and should not be ignored.

Heartburn or indigestion can occur with or without chest pain, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. They are caused by the pressure on the digestive system due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Jaw, Neck, Back or Arm Pain

Jaw, neck, back, or arm pain can be early warning signs of a heart attack, especially in women. These symptoms may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and cold sweats.

Jaw, neck, back, or arm pain is caused by the reduced blood flow to the heart and can occur suddenly or gradually, and may persist for several minutes.

Unusual Fatigue

Unusual fatigue is an early warning sign of a heart attack that is often overlooked. It may occur days or weeks before the actual attack and can be caused by the reduced blood flow to the heart or the general lack of oxygen in the body.

Unusual fatigue can occur suddenly or gradually and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath and weakness.

Anxiety and Restlessness

Anxiety and restlessness are common symptoms of a heart attack. They may be caused by the release of stress hormones in the body or the fear of a heart attack.

Anxiety and restlessness can occur with or without chest pain, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath and lightheadedness.