Heart attacks often seem sudden, but the body usually sends warning signs days, weeks, or even a month before the event. Recognizing these early signals can be life-saving, giving you time to seek medical help before a full-blown emergency occurs. Understanding these subtle symptoms could make the difference between life and death. Let’s explore six key warning signs that might appear up to a month before a heart attack.

1. Unusual Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom many people experience daily, but there’s a difference between regular tiredness and the overwhelming, unexplained fatigue that can signal an impending heart attack. This kind of fatigue is severe and often unrelated to physical or mental exertion. It can feel like you’re drained after simple activities like walking up stairs or carrying groceries. The reason this happens is that your heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing your body to work harder to keep up with oxygen demands.

This type of fatigue is more common in women, but men can experience it too. If you find yourself unusually exhausted for no clear reason, especially if it persists for days or weeks, don’t ignore it.

2. Chest Discomfort

Chest discomfort or pain, also known as angina, is one of the most well-known symptoms of heart problems. While a heart attack is often associated with intense chest pain, the early warning signs might include milder discomfort. You may feel a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in your chest that comes and goes. This discomfort may last for a few minutes or longer and can spread to other areas such as your arms, neck, back, or jaw.