6 Warning Signs Before a Heart Attack: Be Alert

Mar 09, 2025 | 0 comments posted by Nature Target

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening emergency. It comes on suddenly, with severe symptoms, and has a high mortality rate. It is one of the leading causes of sudden death in middle-aged and older adults, and its occurrence is becoming more common in younger people. Why do heart attacks happen? What symptoms might indicate an impending heart attack?

Why do heart attacks happen?

In simple terms, a heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart becomes suddenly blocked, causing ischemia (lack of blood flow) and hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Eventually, heart muscle cells die because they don’t receive enough oxygen.

What causes the coronary arteries to become blocked? This is related to many factors in daily life:

Aging: As people age, lipid deposits may gradually accumulate in the coronary arteries, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. When these plaques rupture, platelets quickly gather at the site, forming a blood clot that blocks the artery, stopping blood flow to the heart. Imagine the arteries as transport pathways—when these pathways are blocked, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and may become damaged or even die.
Chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are risk factors for heart attacks. Unhealthy habits like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise can significantly increase the risk as well.
Acute stress events: Sudden emotional stress, excessive physical exertion, or even severe illnesses like infections can trigger a heart attack.

Risk factors differ among various populations. For example, pre-menopausal women are usually protected by the effects of estrogen, making them less likely to experience a heart attack than men. However, after menopause, this protective effect disappears, and the risk significantly increases.

Additionally, people with diabetes need to be especially cautious. Their heart attack symptoms may be atypical. For example, they may not experience the usual chest pain but instead feel extreme fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath, which can easily be overlooked.

What are the warning signs before a heart attack?

In fact, many people experience a series of warning symptoms in the days or even weeks leading up to a heart attack. If these signs are identified early, timely medical intervention may help prevent fatal outcomes.

Chest discomfort

Chest discomfort is one of the most common warning signs. Many heart attack patients experience a feeling of pressure, tightness, or dull pain in the chest before an attack. This discomfort may last for a few minutes or occur intermittently.

Unlike severe pain, these sensations may be ignored, especially if the patient believes they are tolerable or caused by other issues. These symptoms are often related to myocardial ischemia, indicating restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries. The discomfort may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is another key symptom. Some people may feel breathless without obvious physical activity and may need to exert effort just to breathe. This symptom often accompanies chest discomfort, especially when lying down to sleep.

Cold sweat, dizziness, and palpitations

Autonomic symptoms such as cold sweat, dizziness, and palpitations are also common, particularly when a heart attack is imminent. The cold sweat usually occurs alongside emotional distress, and the patient may feel extremely uncomfortable or even panicked.

Pain or discomfort in the upper body

Pain or discomfort in the upper body should not be overlooked. Heart attack pain is not always confined to the chest; it may radiate to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, or jaw. Unlike sudden, sharp pain, this spreading pain is often dull or aching, which may lead the patient to mistakenly believe it is just muscle strain.

Digestive issues

Digestive discomfort is also a potential warning sign, particularly in female patients. This may manifest as upper abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, or vomiting. These symptoms can be easily confused with gastrointestinal issues, leading to delays in seeking medical help.

Sudden extreme fatigue or weakness

Sudden extreme fatigue or a feeling of weakness is another critical warning sign. Many patients experience generalized exhaustion before a heart attack, feeling utterly drained even after minimal physical exertion. This fatigue may last for several days. Women, in particular, are more likely to experience this unusual fatigue in the weeks leading up to a heart attack.

Overall, the warning symptoms of a heart attack are varied and can present differently in different individuals. Women and the elderly may have atypical symptoms. Therefore, it is essential not to ignore these signals, especially if there is a history of heart disease risk factors. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.

What should you do if a heart attack occurs?

Once a heart attack occurs, responding correctly and swiftly is crucial.

Stop all physical activity immediately. Sit down or lie down and try to stay calm. This helps reduce the burden on the heart and prevents the situation from worsening. Never try to push through the pain or drive yourself to the hospital—it’s extremely dangerous.
Call emergency services right away. Clearly describe your symptoms, including the location and nature of the chest pain and whether you are experiencing shortness of breath or cold sweats. While waiting for help, remain calm and avoid panic.
If you have emergency medications such as nitroglycerin or aspirin, and you know you’re not allergic to them, you can take them while waiting for the ambulance. Nitroglycerin helps dilate the blood vessels and relieve chest pain, while aspirin can inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation. However, be cautious with nitroglycerin, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the primary method for resuscitating someone who has gone into cardiac arrest. If a person suddenly collapses and shows no signs of breathing or consciousness, you should immediately begin CPR. The sooner you act within the "critical 4 minutes," the higher the chances of successful resuscitation.

The Coenzyme Q10 Supplement is Beneficial for Heart Health

Coenzyme Q10 Supplement Supports Heart Health

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, particularly in the mitochondria, which are responsible for generating energy for the body. It is especially beneficial for heart health, as the heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body. CoQ10 helps maintain healthy cardiovascular function by supporting optimal energy production in heart cells, promoting proper circulation, and reducing oxidative stress that can contribute to heart-related conditions. Additionally, it may help improve blood vessel function, support healthy blood pressure levels, and enhance overall heart efficiency. As we age, natural CoQ10 levels in the body tend to decline, making supplementation a useful way to support heart health and overall well-being.

FAQs about Heart Attack

Can High Blood Pressure Cause a Heart Attack?

Yes, high blood pressure can cause a heart attack by damaging the walls of blood vessels and leading to plaque buildup. When blood pressure is consistently high, it puts excessive stress on the arteries, creating small tears in their inner lining. The body attempts to repair these tears by depositing cholesterol and other substances, which form plaque. Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. If a plaque deposit ruptures, it can cause a blood clot to form, potentially blocking the artery completely and triggering a heart attack.

Does Stress Cause Heart Attacks?

While stress does not directly cause heart attacks, it significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease. Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which contribute to heart disease. Additionally, stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and promote inflammation in the arteries, potentially leading to plaque buildup and cardiovascular complications. Over time, these physiological responses can strain the heart and elevate the likelihood of a heart attack.

How can You Prevent a Heart Attack?

1. Avoid Smoking – Smoking and secondhand smoke damage blood vessels and increase heart strain, raising heart attack risk. Quitting reduces this risk significantly.

2. Manage Stress – Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and unhealthy habits like smoking or overeating. Techniques like exercise, meditation, and relaxation can help.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight – Excess weight, especially belly fat, increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Losing even a small amount helps.

4. Stay Active – Regular exercise (30-60 minutes daily) helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, and reduces heart disease risks.

5. Get Quality Sleep – Poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Adults need at least seven hours per night.

6. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet – Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

How Long can Heart Attacks Last?

A heart attack can last for a few minutes, several hours, or even an entire day, depending on various factors such as the underlying cause and severity. Some heart attacks present as brief episodes of chest pain that come and go, while others cause persistent discomfort that worsens over time. In some cases, symptoms may begin mildly and gradually intensify, making it difficult to recognize the urgency of the situation. The duration and intensity of a heart attack can also be influenced by factors like the extent of arterial blockage, the individual's overall health, and how quickly medical treatment is received.

Is Myocardial Infarction a Heart Attack?

Yes, a myocardial infarction is another name for a heart attack. It occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to a clot formation. Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.