A heart attack is a serious medical event that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack can happen suddenly, but the body sends warning signals in the weeks leading up to the event. Recognizing these symptoms is important to seek medical help in time and prevent a heart attack. In this article, we’ll explore six warning signs your body may be giving you a month before a heart attack, and give you a chance to take proactive steps to protect your heart health.

Understanding heart attacks
Before we delve into the warning signs, let’s take a quick look at what happens during a heart attack.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked by a blood clot. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching certain areas of the heart muscle. As a result, that part of the heart muscle begins to die, leading to chest pain, discomfort and other symptoms.

1. Unusual fatigue
   Feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep can be a sign of a heart attack. This fatigue may be different from normal fatigue and may not improve with rest. Pay attention to prolonged, unexplained fatigue.
2. Chest discomfort
   Chest pain and discomfort are classic symptoms of a heart attack. It can vary from person to person, but it is usually described as a tight, squeezing feeling in the chest. This discomfort may appear, intensify, or be accompanied by pressure and pain in the arms, neck, jaw, and back.
3. Shortness of breath
   Difficulty breathing, even with minimal exertion, may indicate a heart problem. Shortness of breath can appear suddenly or develop gradually. If you can’t hold your breath for no apparent reason, it’s a sign of seriousness.
4. Sleep disorders
   Abnormal sleep disorders, such as insomnia, frequent nighttime awakenings, or feeling overly tired upon waking, may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack. These sleep changes may be related to the body’s response to heart problems.
5. Digestive problems
   Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort may be symptoms of a heart attack. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, so it’s important to consider them in the context of other warning signs.
6. Anxiety and increased heart rate
   Feeling anxious or experiencing a rapid heart rate without a specific trigger may be your body’s way of alerting you to a potential heart problem. This anxiety is not related to external stress and can occur suddenly.