That headline is misleading. There is no guaranteed set of symptoms one month before a heart attack, and many heart attacks happen suddenly with little or no warning. However, some people do experience warning signs days or weeks beforehand. Knowing them can help—but they are not reliable predictors.
Below is accurate, evidence-based information, not a promise.
Possible Warning Signs Weeks to Days Before a Heart Attack
(Not everyone has these, and they can be caused by many other conditions)
1. Chest discomfort
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Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
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May come and go
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Often mistaken for indigestion or muscle strain
2. Unusual fatigue
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Extreme or unexplained tiredness
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More common in women
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Can occur even with minimal activity
3. Shortness of breath
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During activity or at rest
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May happen without chest pain
4. Sleep disturbances
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Trouble falling or staying asleep
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Often reported by women before heart events
5. Anxiety or sense of doom
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Sudden anxiety without a clear cause
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Sometimes described as “something feels wrong”
6. Digestive discomfort
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Nausea, bloating, heartburn, or stomach pain
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Especially common in women and older adults
🚨 Emergency Symptoms — Call Emergency Services Immediately
Do not wait or self-diagnose if any of these occur:
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Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
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Pain spreading to arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweat
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Nausea or vomiting
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Lightheadedness or fainting
Important Truths
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Some people have no warning at all
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Symptoms differ between men and women
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Social media headlines often overstate certainty
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Early medical care saves lives
If you want, I can:
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Explain how heart attack symptoms differ in women vs men
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Help you understand risk factors you can control
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Share what to do if symptoms are unclear