One Month Before A Heart Attack
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the U.S., largely due to stress and unhealthy eating habits. While living a healthy lifestyle helps reduce your risk, recognizing early symptoms—sometimes appearing up to a month before—can be lifesaving.
1. Unusual Swelling and Fatigue
Swelling in the feet or ankles may signal that “one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively.” This leads to blood backing up in your lower limbs. Fatigue is another key warning. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, making your heart work harder, leaving you “feeling overly tired and drowsy just about all of the time.”
2. Breathing and Circulation Issues
Shortness of breath may occur when “your lungs are not going to be able to get as much oxygen.” If you notice breathing trouble without physical exertion, see a doctor. Weakness and dizziness also arise from poor blood flow. “Your muscles aren’t getting what they need,” and reduced brain circulation can cause “dizziness and clamminess.”
3. Chest Discomfort
Chest pressure is a classic sign of a heart attack. “You have been experiencing discomfort in your chest, whether it’s minor pain or built-up pressure.” This pressure often increases as the attack approaches.
4. Flu-Like Symptoms
Unexpected cold or flu symptoms can precede a heart attack. “Many people feel they have developed a cold just days before their attacks.”
