One Month Before a He.art Attack, the Body May Give 8 Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

These signs are very easy to confuse with other conditions, so it is important to monitor your health daily. Go to the hospital immediately if you notice anything unusual related to a he.art attack.

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” This simple rule applies to any illness, especially those that often show no clear symptoms or have signs that are easily mistaken for other problems. Heart attack warning signs are no exception.

Below are important signs that may appear one month—or even earlier—indicating that you may be developing heart failure or could be at risk of a heart attack.

However, there is no need to panic. Simply raising your health awareness from now on and recognizing potential risk signs can help ensure your health stays in the best possible condition.

1. Fatigue – occurs in 70% of women

Unusual, unexplained fatigue is one of the main signs of a heart attack. This symptom is more common in women than in men (70% of women are affected, according to Science Daily).

Signs: If you feel persistent tiredness or exhaustion lasting for days or weeks, it may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart, brain, and lungs. Fatigue that is not caused by physical activity and worsens toward the end of the day may be a symptom of heart failure.

2. Abdominal Pain – occurs in 50% of both men and women

According to WebMD, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating are among the most common symptoms signaling a heart attack. These symptoms occur in both men and women.

Signs: Heart-attack-related abdominal pain often comes in waves, subsiding and then suddenly intensifying within a short period. Physical stress can make the pain worse.

3. Insomnia – occurs in 50% of women

Insomnia is associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and is more common in women, according to Science Daily. It is often accompanied by anxiety and forgetfulness.

Signs: Difficulty falling asleep, shallow sleep, or waking up too early.

4. Shortness of Breath – occurs in 40% of cases

Shortness of breath or gasping for air—a feeling of being unable to take a deep breath—commonly occurs in both men and women within six months before a heart attack.

Signs: Feeling short of air, dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Professor Nieca Goldberg of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, USA, states:
“Sometimes people have a heart attack without chest pain, or with chest pain combined with shortness of breath. It can feel like they’ve just run a marathon, even though they haven’t been walking.”

5. Hair Loss – occurs in more than 50% of men

Hair loss is considered a risk sign of heart attack, most commonly seen in men over 50, though some women may also be affected. Baldness is associated with increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Signs: Noticeable hair loss at the crown of the head.

6. Irregular Heartbeat

You should take heart rhythm disturbances seriously, especially when accompanied by panic or anxiety—particularly in women. This symptom may appear suddenly and in different forms: arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).

Exercise can stimulate an increase in heart rate, especially if you have atherosclerosis, so this condition should never be ignored.

Signs: An abnormal heartbeat lasting 1–2 minutes. If it does not return to normal, you may feel dizzy and extremely fatigued. In such cases, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Excessive Sweating

According to WebMD, abnormal or excessive sweating is an early warning sign of a heart attack. It can occur at any time—day or night—and affects women more often. It is sometimes mistaken for typical menopausal symptoms such as night sweats.

Signs: Flu-like symptoms, clammy skin, sweating regardless of temperature, whether exercising or not, and heavy night sweating.

8. Chest Pain

According to Harvard Health Publishing, men and women experience chest pain with different intensity and patterns. In men, chest pain is one of the most important early warning signs of an impending heart attack. In women, however, it occurs in only about 30% of cases.

Signs: Chest pain accompanied by discomfort in one or both arms (usually the left arm), the lower jaw, neck, shoulders, or abdomen. The pain may be temporary or persistent.