A heart attack, one of the most dangerous medical conditions, rarely strikes without a warning. While some cardiac events appear sudden, doctors say your body often sends subtle signals hours, sometimes even 48 hours, before a heart attack. Recognising these early heart attack warning signs can be lifesaving.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually due to a clot forming in a narrowed coronary artery. In the 24 to 48 hours before a major cardiac event, the body may already be under stress.
When you are going to have a heart attack, many changes begin to happen. During this time, your:
“The underlying cause is usually a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which can rupture and trigger a blood clot, reducing blood flow to the heart. In the 48 hours leading up to a heart attack, you may experience many symptoms, as your heart struggles to pump effectively,” Dr Abhijit Khadtare, Cardiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now exclusively.
According to Dr Khadtare, you may have signs like “shortness of breath may appear even with minimal activity, caused by fluid buildup in the lungs due to impaired heart function.” A few others include:
Extreme, unexplained fatigue is one of the most reported early heart attack symptoms, especially in women. Feeling drained without physical exertion can signal that the heart is struggling to pump efficiently.
Instead of crushing pain, many people experience mild chest tightness, pressure, fullness, or burning that comes and goes. It may feel like indigestion rather than a cardiac issue.
Difficulty breathing during routine activities or even at rest can indicate reduced oxygen delivery to the body.
Many people also report sudden insomnia, restlessness, or waking up feeling anxious in the days before a heart attack.
Upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, or nausea may be mistaken for gastric problems but can actually be cardiac in origin.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
