6 Signs of a Heart Attack That Appear a Month Before

Heart attacks can be sudden and life-threatening, but did you know that there are often warning signs that appear weeks or even a month before the actual event? Being aware of these signs could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Keep reading to find out more about the signs that may appear long before the actual attack.

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6 Signs of a Heart Attack a Month Before

Here are six signs that may indicate a heart attack is coming, even if it’s still a month away:

1. Fatigue

Fatigue, which worsens towards the end of the day and causes a lack of physical and mental motivation, is experienced by 70% of women.

However, if this is an unusual occurrence for you, it could be a warning sign of an upcoming heart attack. Simple tasks such as making a bed or taking a shower may become difficult. In women, unexplained weakness or extreme exhaustion that lasts for several days could indicate heart disease.

Dizziness can occur for various reasons such as dehydration (Image via jesse orrico/ Pexels)

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2. Dizziness

Dizziness can occur for various reasons such as dehydration, skipping meals, or standing up too fast. However, if accompanied by chest pain and shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness can be a sign of decreased blood volume and pressure, indicating an imminent heart attack.

Contact a cardiologist at your earliest if you experience any of these symptoms.

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3. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is identified in 50% of heart attack cases. Nausea, feeling bloated or having an upset stomach are common symptoms affecting both men and women. Stomach issues that come and go periodically before a heart attack are considered episodic. Physical exertion may exacerbate abdominal pain.

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4. Sweating

Breaking out in a cold sweat or excessive perspiration, regardless of the temperature or level of physical activity, can be an early sign of heart attack, especially if accompanied by flu-like symptoms or clammy skin. If you experience this along with other heart attack symptoms, seek medical attention rightaway.

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5. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet

Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet can indicate that the heart is not pumping blood as efficiently as it should be. Insufficient heartbeat causes blood to back up in the veins, leading to bloating. Bloating can occur due to heart failure, making it difficult for the kidneys to flush out excess water and sodium.

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6. Heart Palpitations

When the heart is not receiving enough nutrient-rich blood, it can become agitated and cause heart palpitations. This problem is usually easy to resolve, such as reducing caffeine intake or getting more sleep. However, in rare cases, it can be a symptom of atrial fibrillation, which requires medical attention from a cardiologist. Don't hesitate to seek help if you experience heart palpitations.

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Causes of Heart Attack

The most common cause of this condition is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque.

Other causes can include:

1. Blood clots: A blood clot can form in a narrowed or blocked artery, completely blocking blood flow to the heart.
2. Spasm of the coronary artery: In some cases, the coronary artery may spasm, which can cause a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the heart.
3. Artery dissection: A tear in the artery wall can cause blood to flow into the wall, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow to the heart.
4. Coronary artery embolism: A blood clot or other foreign material can travel to the coronary artery and block blood flow to the heart.
5. Drug use: Certain drugs, such as cocaine, can cause the arteries to spasm or lead to the formation of blood clots.
6. Stress: Emotional or physical stress can cause a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the load on the heart.

Emotional or physical stress can cause a sudden increase in heart rate (Elisa Ventur/ Pexels)

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How to Stop a Heart Attack

It is important to note that if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the upper body, you should call emergency medical services immediately.

In the meantime, here are a few steps you can take to help minimize the damage of a cardiac attack:

1. Stay calm: Stress and panic can increase the workload on the heart, making the situation worse.
2. Take nitroglycerin: If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin by your doctor, take it as directed. Nitroglycerin can help widen blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
3. Chew aspirin: If you are not allergic to aspirin and have been advised by your doctor to take it in the event of a heart attack, chew a regular-strength aspirin to help prevent blood clots from forming.
4. Sit down: If you feel faint or dizzy, sit down and rest, as sudden movement can increase the workload on the heart.
5. Loosen tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow, so loosen any tight clothing, such as a tie or belt.
6. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED): If an AED is available, use it immediately as directed. An AED can help restore a regular heartbeat.